STROKE MANAGEMENT 

​Stroke
Improving movement and function through forced use builds a strong and balanced
body for clients with a history of Stroke or TIA. Consistent and focused interventions
to decrease compensations and reinforce optimal movement patterns are vital to
remain independent, functional and safe.

What Is a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency. It happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or, more commonly, when a blockage happens. Without treatment, cells in the brain quickly begin to die. This can cause serious disability or death. If a loved one is having stroke symptoms, call 911 right away.

Stroke Symptoms
Call 911 right away about signs of a stroke, which may include sudden:
  • Numbness or weakness of the body, especially on one side
  • Vision changes in one or both eyes, or trouble swallowing
  • Severe headache with an unknown cause
  • Problems with dizziness, walking, or balance
  • Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding others
​
Diagnosis
Tests may start when you’re still in the ambulance. Once you get to the ER, you’ll get imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound. You may get other types of tests, such as an EKG (checks your heart’s electrical activity) and an EEG (checks your brain’s electrical activity).​

Ischemic Stroke
This is the most common type of stroke: Nearly nine out of 10 fall into this category. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks the supply of blood to or in the brain. The clot may start in that spot or travel through the blood from elsewhere in the body. Clogged arteries are a top cause.

Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a weakened blood vessel in the brain bursts. The result is bleeding inside the brain that can be hard to stop. The most common cause is high blood pressure. Other causes include aneurysms and AVMs (arteriovenous malformations), which weaken blood vessels in the brain.

'Mini-Stroke' (TIA)
Transient ischemic attacks, often called "mini-strokes," are also an emergency. When they happen, blood flow is temporarily hampered in part of the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms. When the blood flows again, the symptoms stop. You can’t tell at the time if it’s a stroke or TIA. So call 911. Having a TIA is also a warning sign, so see your doctor if you think you've had one.

Causes
Ischemic strokes: Clogged arteries are a top cause. Plaque made of fat, cholesterol, and other things builds up in the arteries, leaving less space for blood to flow. A blood clot may lodge in this narrowed space and cause an ischemic stroke. All that plaque makes it easier for a clot to form and can also rupture, blocking blood flow.

Hemorrhagic strokes: These can happen if uncontrolled high blood pressure bursts a weakened artery.

Risk Factors
Your chance of having a stroke rises with age and if you have:
  • Had a stroke or TIA before
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Smoking, heavy drinking, and not being active also raise your risk.

Range of Recovery
The goal is to restore as much independence as possible. Every person is different, and so is every stroke. Many people regain some or all of their ability to take care of themselves. Those who get clot-busting drugs soon enough after their stroke may recover completely. And people whose abilities are changed by a stroke can learn ways to adapt through physical therapy to help with movement, everyday tasks, and communication.

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