STROKE
Stroke is caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain, usually because a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage to the brain tissue.
As a result, the affected area of the brain is unable to function, causing sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, mostly on one side of the body, leading to the inability to move one or more limbs.
The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured and how severely it is affected.

RISK FACTORS

Advanced age - your chances of having a stroke go up as you get older. Two-thirds of all strokes happen to people over age 65

Sex - males have a slightly higher risk than females

Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack / Family history of stroke or TIA

High cholesterol

Hypertension (self-reported history of hypertension or blood pressure >160/90mmHg)

Diet risk

Diabetes mellitus

Depression

Lifestyle factors – include smoking, alcohol/drug abuse, , obesity,  physical inactivity.

Cardiac causes

SYMPTOMS
• Confusion
• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm and leg on one side of the body
• Loss of speech, or trouble talking or understanding speech
• Difficulty seeing with one or both eyes
• Difficulty walking
• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Fainting or unconsciousness

STROKE REHABILITATION
Stroke Rehabilitation involves health professionals such as Physiotherapist, Occupational therapist and Speech Therapist.
For rehabilitation to be most effective, three points must be kept in mind:

Rehabilitation must begin as soon after the stroke as possible

The family is the patient's most important means of support during the rehabilitation process

Rehabilitation is a team effort with Physiotherapist, Occupational therapist and other specialists working with the patient and their family.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Sensory Stimulation techniques help to normalise the tone of the muscle.

Neuro muscular electrical stimulation (NMES) that encourages brain reorganization and recovery of function and stimulate nerve activity in paralysed limbs.

Exercise Therapy: Motor Learning emphasises on practicing isolated movements, repeatedly changing from one movement to another. Coordination & Balance training for both static and dynamic sitting / standing balance is being worked on using obstacles, ramps, and bean bags.

Gait Re education: Walking is mostly affected following stroke, Therefore, gait re-education is an important physical therapy intervention for patients following stroke

Cognition Training: selective sensory stimulation is applied to encourage use of impaired limbs and to help patients regain awareness of stimuli on the neglected side of the body.  Therapist also teaches how to develop compensatory strategies

ADL Modifications: help patients make changes in their homes to increase safety, remove barriers, and facilitate physical functioning, which helps in their daily ADL

Speech & Swallow pathologists help patients with aphasia relearn how to use language and also help people improve their ability to swallow.

SERVICE AVAILABLE AT PHYSIOASIA

Out Patient Clinic - Our services are designed to manage the complications of stroke and ensure that an optimal stroke management regimen is in place.

Home Based Rehabilitation - allows great flexibility so that patients can tailor their program of rehabilitation and follow individual schedules.  These arrangements are often best suited for people who lack transportation or require treatment for maintaining the condition and to achieve long term goals. However, undergoing treatment at home gives people the advantage of practicing skills and developing compensatory strategies in the context of their own living environment.

ADVICE
• Monitor BP regularly
• Quit smoking
• Constant encouragement needed
• Seek medical help as soon as any symptoms are noticed

Experienced physiotherapists in Singapore, with over 18 years of experience, help you to get relief from pain/weakness quickly and easily. You can book an appointment to see our Senior Physiotherapist. We are located right in the heart of Singapore, at Orchard, and are available Mondays through Saturday.