Stroke or Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
A stroke occurs as a result of loss of blood flow to a part of the brain. When the brain is deprived of blood flow that results in suboptimal oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain cells and thus they start to die within a few minutes. Strokes can result in lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
Goal of stroke rehabilitation is to re-learn lost skill related to the brain injury to regain independence improve quality of life. The sooner we initiate therapy the greater the overall functional outcome.
Types of strokes:
1. Ischemic stroke: this comprises about 80% of all strokes and is as result of poor blood flow to brain tissue related to either a blood clot or narrowing or hardening of blood vessels.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke: this is a bleeding stroke related a blood vessel injury.
Common risk factors for stroke:
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Smoking
• Heart disease
• Irregular heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation
• History of diabetes
• Age, anyone greater than age of 60 is at increased risk.
• Family history and specific genetic mutations.
• High Cholesterol
• Obesity
• Excess Alcohol
• Illicit drug use.
Common Symptoms of Stroke:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
• Sudden speech difficulty with either word production or comprehension.
• Sudden loss of vision.
• Sudden difficulty walking or balance difficulty
• Sudden severe headache
Goal of Physical therapy in Stroke: Stroke rehabilitation is individualized as not every stroke presents with the same deficits.
• Improve strength, balance and walking
• Mobility training in learning how to use assistive devices
• Improve speech and comprehension.
• Improve visual changes
• Improve range of motion and minimize spasticity