Post-stroke recovery: How timely treatment plans can improve quality of life

New Delhi: Post-stroke rehabilitation initiated immediately within 48 hours will help patients regain independence. It will be beneficial for the patient as the brain is neuroplastic during the first three months after the onset of a stroke. This means it can be repaired and adjusted during that phase. This article helps to understand the critical role of post-stroke rehabilitation in stroke management.

Talking about the incidence of stroke in India, Dr. Nirmal Surya, Consulting Neurophysician and President of the ISA (Indian Stroke Association) said, “India is home to millions of stroke patients and many suffer from life-long disabilities due to the lack of awareness regarding post-stroke rehabilitation. Numerous people tend to lose their lives to stroke every year in India and worldwide. During stroke, severe damage is caused to the brain due to insufficient blood supply. This can generally happen either when the blood vessels are blocked or there’s some bleeding inside your brain. Stroke patients are more likely to experience severe complications like paralysis, seizures, and memory loss, cardiac and gastrointestinal issues. Early detection and timely intervention can lead to speedy recovery while improving the quality of life. Post-stroke rehabilitation is essential for patients to regain their independence and movement that can be compromised due to stroke.”

Importance of post-stroke rehabilitation

Rehabilitation plan is individualised and consists of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The team consists of neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, dietitians who adopt a multidisciplinary approach to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of patients. The goal is also to reduce a second stroke and ensure functional independence. The rehabilitation can go up to 3-6 months depending on the recovery of the patient.

The vital components of post-stroke rehabilitation

1. Physiotherapy: The expert will design a plan consisting of exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination, and to relearn movement skills. This can strengthen you while improving your coordination and balance. This enables stroke patients to move freely and independently without taking anyone’s help. Stroke survivors can be at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pressure sores. Physiotherapy will prevent complications by ensuring movement and joint flexibility. The exercises will be selected based on one’s capacity and limitations. Gait training will be given to improve stability, electric stimulation can be done to enhance muscle function and light therapy will help to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
2. Speech therapy: Stroke patients are often seen struggling when it comes to speaking. To improve their communication skills one can try speech therapy. This can help them regain their ability to speak without experiencing any difficulties. They might feel better as this can allow them to express their thoughts and opinions to others.
3. Occupational therapy: Performing day-to-day activities after the stroke seems like a daunting task. These stroke patients may find it difficult to perform even basic activities like holding a pen, dressing, cooking, walking or even bathing. With the help of occupational therapy, one can easily regain their ability to perform these activities effortlessly.
4. Cognitive rehabilitation: This will be beneficial for improving the memory, concentration, thinking, and mood of the patient.
5. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Is important for patients to deal with anxiety, depression, and tiredness. Seek professional help by visiting a therapist or a counselor who can help address these emotions.
6. Dietitian: This will help the patient to include nutritious food in the diet and ensure healthy eating.

Effective post-stroke rehabilitation is an integral part of holistic stroke recovery and isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Plan it accordingly with the help of an expert team for an optimal chance for a meaningful recovery.