Stroke rehabilitation center
Stroke, or cerebral infarction, is a condition in which the brain lacks blood supply due to the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels or bleeding in the brain. This prevents blood from nourishing the brain, causing brain cells to lack oxygen and leading to brain damage. Patients need to see a doctor immediately, as prompt treatment is crucial in reducing the severity of a stroke, preventing other complications, and minimizing disability.
How long does stroke rehabilitation take?
The duration of stroke rehabilitation varies depending on the severity of the condition, as well as the location of the brain affected. The most critical period for brain and physical recovery, known as the “Golden Period,” is within the first 3 – 6 months. If patients receive proper training and care during this time, the brain can develop and show improvement more rapidly. Even after the initial 6 months, continuous training and improvement are still possible.
Symptoms of stroke include:
Facial drooping on one side: The face may appear uneven, and one side may droop or become numb.
Weakness or numbness in the arm or leg: One arm or leg may become weak, numb, or difficult to move.
Difficulty speaking: Speech may become slurred, or the person may have difficulty finding the right words or understanding spoken language.
Dizziness and loss of balance: The person may experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking.
Sudden severe headache: A sudden, severe headache, often described as the worst headache of one’s life, may occur.
Vision problems: Vision may be impaired in one or both eyes, including double vision or sudden loss of vision.
Confusion or difficulty understanding: The person may become confused, have difficulty understanding others, or have trouble speaking or responding.
The goals of stroke care and rehabilitation are to:
Enable patients to return to their daily lives: The aim is for patients to regain their ability to perform daily activities independently.
Facilitate learning and memory: Rehabilitation helps improve cognitive functions, making it easier for patients to remember and learn.
Maximize functional abilities: Therapy aims to help patients reach their full potential in performing various activities.
Prevent complications from prolonged bed rest: Rehabilitation seeks to prevent complications that can arise from prolonged immobility.
Prevent recurrent disabilities: Efforts are made to minimize the risk of recurring disabilities.
Effective stroke rehabilitation can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and functional abilities. It often involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and medical specialists, working together to provide comprehensive care.
Stroke rehabilitation is typically divided into three phases:
Acute Phase: This phase occurs within 1-3 weeks after the onset of stroke symptoms. Rehabilitation during this phase often starts while the patient is still in bed. The primary goals are to prevent muscle contractures and joint stiffness. Before initiating rehabilitation, patients undergo medical screening to assess their level of consciousness, weakness, facial droop, speech difficulties, and range of joint motion. The rehabilitation plan is tailored to individual patients’ needs and goals.
Recovery Phase: This phase takes place from 3 to 6 months after the stroke. During this period, patients regain more control over their movements and may be able to sit for extended periods. Specific rehabilitation activities are introduced based on the patient’s progress and goals. Patients typically receive individualized therapy to address their specific impairments and functional limitations.
Maintenance Phase: After completing the recovery phase, patients enter the maintenance phase, which extends beyond 6 months post-stroke. During this phase, patients continue to work on maintaining and improving their functional abilities. Regular rehabilitation exercises and activities are essential to prevent the loss of progress achieved during the earlier phases and to minimize the risk of recurrent disabilities.
Stroke rehabilitation aims to help patients achieve the following goals:
- Regain the ability to perform daily activities and return to their previous level of functioning.
- Enhance cognitive function, including memory and learning.
- Maximize their potential to perform various activities.
- Prevent complications resulting from prolonged bed rest.
- Reduce the risk of recurrent disabilities.
Rehabilitation plans are highly individualized and may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other specialized interventions based on the patient’s specific needs and deficits. The goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life and independence while minimizing disability.
