Life After a Stroke: Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Potential Complications

 

When a person suffers a debilitating illness, such as a Stroke, their top concern is “Will I be able to live a normal life after this?”

In many cases, yes.

Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off, preventing the tissues from getting oxygen and nutrients, causing the rapid death of brain cells. Therefore, prompt analysis and treatment are crucial.

Medical research has improved in leaps and bounds, leading to several remarkable changes in the healthcare industry over the past few decades. Advances in medical technology allow patients to receive a quick and accurate diagnosis, undergo expert consultation, and obtain sophisticated treatment and rehabilitation.

One of the main aspects of recovery from a Stroke is to address the post-treatment complications that may affect the quality of life. Hence, a holistic approach to treating the symptoms as well as the aftercare of patients is imperative.

This top rehabilitation center in Bangalore addresses all the aspects of Stroke recovery, from diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, to patient aftercare and support for the family.

Types of Strokes

There are three main types of Strokes based on the area and type of damage to the brain:

●       Ischemic Stroke: caused by a blockage in the blood vessels of the brain, cutting off the blood supply

●       Hemorrhagic Stroke: caused by bleeding in or around the brain due to a broken artery

●       Transient Ischemic Attack: caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, with short-lived symptoms

What Causes Strokes?

Several factors can cause blood vessels to become harder and narrower, making them more likely to get blocked. The risk factors that may lead to Strokes include:

●       Lifestyle factors including obesity, physical inactivity, binge drinking, stress, and use of tobacco and illegal drugs

●       Medical factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, hormone therapies that include estrogen, and genetic predisposition to Strokes

●       Other factors such as age, physical trauma, and environmental air pollution

Complications after Strokes:

Strokes can lead to temporary or permanent disabilities, depending on the causes and extent of the damage. Some complications may include:

●        Paralysis: patients may become paralyzed on one side of their body, or lose control of certain muscles, such as those on one side of their face or one arm

●        Difficulty talking or swallowing: a Stroke might affect control of the muscles in the mouth and throat, making it difficult for patients to talk clearly, swallow or eat. There may be difficulty in understanding speech, reading, or writing

●        Memory loss or thinking difficulties: many people who have had strokes experience some memory loss. Others may have difficulty thinking, reasoning, making judgments, and understanding concepts

●        Emotional issues: people who have had strokes have been known to develop depression, anxiety, and paranoia

●        Body sensations: pain, numbness, and other similar sensations may occur in the parts of the body affected by stroke. For instance, if a stroke has caused the loss of feeling in one arm, patients may feel an uncomfortable tingling sensation in that arm.

●        Physical activity: people who have had strokes may need long-term care with even basic activities such as grooming, bathing, and other daily chores

Outlook for Recovery – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Rehabilitation

Around 1 in 8 people die within 30 days of having a stroke. Hence, if any symptoms are noticed, quick medical care is essential and increases the chances of recovery.

Significant advances in procedures such as brain imaging allow doctors to effectively diagnose the type of stroke, including the location of the obstructed vessel and begin medication and treatment accordingly.

The top rehabilitation center in Bangalore offers the following procedures for the treatment of strokes:

●        Stem Cell Therapy: a non-surgical procedure wherein stem cells derived from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue are injected into their body to replace the damaged cells

●        Physiotherapy: a treatment that improves the patient’s mobility, posture, and balance

●        Occupational Therapy: this allows the patient to become independent by improving their capability to complete daily activities such as walking, having a meal, or taking a bath

●        Speech Therapy: this helps the patient regain their communication skills through various techniques including non-verbal communication

The very thought of having a stroke is alarming. To reduce the chances of having a stroke, follow your doctor’s recommendations, get regular medical check-ups, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Fortunately, with early intervention, there is a high chance of survival and successful recovery. It is important to remember that recovering from a stroke is a slow and painful process. However, with patience, medical expertise, and family support, patients can go on to live a long, dignified, and fulfilling life.