Rehab after a stroke – how to make the best progress

Rehabilitation after a stroke: The most important factor in a stroke is time, in order to minimize the consequences of the stroke. The faster the affected person is helped after the first symptoms appear, the higher the chances of survival and successful rehabilitation after the stroke.

Contents

Diagnosis

During the diagnosis by a specialist in the hospital, it is determined what type of stroke it is.
There are two different types of strokes: thrombotic occlusion – a blocked blood vessel and an intracerebral hemorrhage, bleeding in the brain.

The thrombotic occlusion is also called ischemic (white) stroke and this is the most common type of stroke. This can arise, for example, from vascular calcification (arteriosclerosis) or a blood clot (embolus).

The intracerebral hemorrhage, also known as hemorrhagic (red) stroke, occurs less frequently.
In the acute phase of treatment, the main focus is on damage control and attempting to save the life of the affected person and protect the brain as much as possible from further damage.

The treatment afterwards aims to restore the functions impaired by the stroke in the affected person – this usually occurs during the rehabilitation phase.

After the treating physician has checked the vital functions of the affected person and – if possible – inquired about the previously occurred symptoms, the responsible neurologist will examine the affected person’s coordination ability, speech, vision, and touch capabilities, as well as their tactile sensation, in order to assess the current condition.

Subsequently, a computed tomography of the head or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), both of which provide information about the type of stroke, is performed. A CT scan is usually complemented by a measurement of blood flow (CT perfusion) and a visualization of the blood vessels (CT angiography).

In addition, an electrocardiogram (EKG) is performed to examine the function and performance of the heart. The examination is complemented by blood tests of the electrolyte balance, kidney values, blood sugar levels, blood clotting, and blood count to confirm the stroke.

Electrocardiography (ECG)

Treatment

To keep consequential damages as low as possible. Ideally, the affected person will be treated by personnel with expertise in the field of strokes in so-called Stroke Units – a specialized department for strokes.

The two types of stroke require different treatment methods.

In the treatment of a hemorrhagic stroke caused by a brain hemorrhage, the size of the brain hemorrhage is initially evaluated. For a smaller brain hemorrhage, it may be sufficient to avoid activities that increase pressure in the head.

Larger brain hemorrhages need to be surgically treated. During the surgery, the skull is opened to remove the hematoma (the bruise) and stop the bleeding.

In the treatment of an ischemic stroke, there are two possible treatment methods. The most important treatment is the so-called lyse therapy (also called thrombolysis), in which the vessel blockage is resolved by clot-dissolving medications and the number of dead nerve cells should be kept as small as possible. The medications are usually administered through an infusion.

The blood clot is nowadays also removed additionally by a mechanical intervention. In thrombectomy, a catheter is guided through an artery and under X-ray monitoring to the clot, and with the help of the finest instruments, it is then removed.

As the last point of treatment, the prevention of new strokes is added. Once it has been determined what type of stroke it is and what exactly led to the stroke, measures can be taken to prevent the recurrence of a stroke.

In the therapy of an ischemic stroke, which was triggered by a vessel occlusion, blood-thinning medications are usually prescribed. A change in lifestyle also contributes to prevention.

Rehabilitation after stroke

There are of course cases in which the person affected fully recovers from the stroke, but there are also cases in which the person remains permanently in need of care and a long rehabilitation follows.

The chances of experiencing a stroke without permanent and serious consequences are greater the younger the person affected is. Nevertheless, every second stroke patient remains in need of care due to the consequences, and in about two-thirds of all cases, the person affected suffers physical damage.

An important part of rehabilitation is early rehabilitation, which significantly contributes to success. This usually takes place in stroke units and is led by the nursing team, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists.

Following early rehabilitation, an evaluation is conducted to determine if rehabilitation is necessary and what type of rehabilitation is needed to reduce the consequences or symptoms of the stroke.

In general, it can be said that rehabilitation consists of different procedures. Lost abilities can be relearned as healthy parts of the brain take over the function of the destroyed ones. The side affected by the stroke must not under any circumstances atrophy, and the muscles and joints require regular movement to prevent regression and possibly even regain their function.

The Federal Working Group (BAR) has created a phase model (Phase A – F) that allows neurological rehabilitation to be divided into different phases.

  • Phase A: Acute phase in the hospital
  • Phase B: Early rehabilitation: for the most severely affected patients who are not yet able to actively participate in the treatment.
  • Phase C: Advanced rehabilitation: the patient must be able to handle several 30-minute therapy sessions daily.
  • Phase D: Follow-up treatment (AHB): the patient is at a point where he can almost completely carry out everyday activities independently.
  • Phase E: Aftercare and vocational rehabilitation: Patient can live at home
  • Phase F: Maintenance and activating long-term care for individuals with sustained high care needs (such as vegetative state)

What does rehabilitation consist of?

Occupational therapists are responsible for helping patients navigate everyday life. They assist patients in living as independently as possible despite limitations, taking into account the patient’s environment and living situation.

For example, an occupational therapist may train the patient in using various aids together. The goal of this training is for the patient to eventually be able to perform as many daily activities as possible independently.

Physiotherapists, on the other hand, train the patient’s musculoskeletal system. This includes body posture, balance, muscle building, coordination, and movement sequences, which are trained through various treatments and exercises.

Physiotherapy aims to correct incorrect postures and paralysis in order to counteract subsequent diseases, such as joint pain. At the same time, the patient becomes more mobile, active, and independent.

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