Physiotherapy in the management of stroke
Mr Idrish Ali, A 55 year old man came to a physiotherapist to consult about his personal complication. He had sudden weakness of the left arm, leg and slurred speech. His medical history was unremarkable expect hypertension. He was a chain smoker with a smoking history of one single pac per day. The physiotherapist suggested that the man had sever left side weakness and slurred speech and he should be evaluated by a physiotherapist and a neurologist.
After performing a thorough physical examination and observing the CT scan and MRI of the brain the physiotherapist told the patient that he had a stroke (left Hemiplegia). As like as others, Mr Idrish Ali was socked and asked that how it was possible for a poor man like him.
Worldwide, stroke is the leading cause of disabilities and second cause of death after myocardial infraction. In Bangladesh, stroke is a common condition and it is increasing day-by-day.
Strokes are of two main categories with many other sub-categories. One is ischemic due to the obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. Another type is haemorrhagic due to rupture and bleeds into the surroundings of brain.
Symptoms of stroke can be detected easily by the 'FAST' method. Elaborately 'FAST' explains, F – face drooping; A – arm weakness; S – speech difficulty and T – time to call emergency or hospitalisation.
The successful and evidence based management of this condition is physiotherapy along with medical treatment.
Following medical treatment, patients should take physiotherapy after the onset of symptoms. The approaches for the physiotherapy treatment are diagnosed based on neurophysiology, motor learning or orthopedic principles.
Treatment plan requires continuing with a prolonged time until patients are recovered or minimum 3 to 6 months.
Smoking and fatty foods should be avoided. Regular cardiovascular exercise is a key technique to prevent it.
Stroke sufferers are not burden of our society. By following proper treatment, again they can join their regular life. They have the right to live a happy healthy life.
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The writer is a Consultant Physiotherapist at Ibrahim Iqbal Memorial Hospital Ltd., Chittagong, Bangladesh and a member of Bangladesh Stroke Association (BSA).
E-mail: [email protected]
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