- What is Stroke?
Stroke (paralysis), numbness in the face, arms, legs or one half of the body It is a disease that is accompanied by complaints such as loss of strength or strength, loss or decrease in vision in 1 or 2 eyes, loss of speech, difficulty in speaking or understanding what is being said, imbalance in walking. It is also called brain attack, stroke or cerebral palsy. . It ranks 3rd among the causes of death after cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
The causes of its emergence are grouped in two main groups: The first is various forms of blockage or narrowing of the vessels leading to the brain or the vessels within the brain, and the second is the brain. It is the bleeding that occurs within the tissue.
- Who is at Risk?
According to statistics, stroke is more common in people over the age of 65. In particular, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, long-term stress and heart diseases need to be treated and monitored regularly.
- Why is Stroke Rehabilitation Important?
Paralysis that develops after a stroke makes people dependent. It is possible to ensure that these patients, defined as disabled, participate in society as active individuals as possible and prevent their dependence on others through rehabilitation. The rehabilitation program to be applied to the stroke patient is of great importance in terms of its quality and results.
The old skills regained at the end of the treatment also greatly affect the patient's return to home, work and society. When a stroke occurs, some brain cells are damaged and some die. Disabilities caused by stroke depend on which part of the brain is damaged and how much. Dying brain cells cannot start working again. However, other brain cells in the area outside the dead cells may continue to function again as the edema from the stroke decreases. This explains why signs of recovery appear in the first few weeks after a stroke. Developments after the initial symptom of recovery are gradual.
First of all, other brain cells take over the functions of the damaged brain cells to a certain extent. Rehabilitation, this work Helps make sure it happens. After the patient's general condition improves, even while in intensive care, an early rehabilitation program is started. The flaccid paralysis period lasts approximately 1 month. During this period, in-bed exercises are performed to prevent stiffness in the joints, to prevent wounds (bedsores) from opening in parts of the body that are exposed to pressure, and to regulate circulation. Pay attention to the sleeping position in bed. A pillow is placed under the shoulders and elbows, and a rolled towel is placed in the palm. The leg is extended, and the side of the legs is supported with a sandbag to prevent it from turning outwards. The ankle is kept vertical at 90 degrees. The position is changed every two hours. The patient is sometimes placed face down for short periods of time. If this period lasts longer than 1 month, it indicates that the patient's recovery potential is weak.
The onset of hardening in the muscles occurs after 1 month. Arm and leg movements gradually improve within 2-4 months. Development takes approximately 1-1.5 years. The leg heals faster than the arm. During this period, efforts are made to restore the patient's ability to sit, balance, walk and, if possible, perform fine work. Healing of speech and perception disorders is slow and occurs within 3-6 months. A separate rehabilitation program may be required for the patient for speech and swallowing problems.
- What are the Benefits of Rehabilitation for the Patient?
Continuing daily life (such as walking, speaking, personal care)
Acquiring new skills, such as dressing using one hand or getting around in a wheelchair
Using a hand to support or enhance functions -wrist-foot-ankle orthoses, cane, tripod, canedian (crutch) etc. Ensuring the use of assistive devices
In order to cope with deficiencies more easily, using practical assistive devices such as computers or making the necessary changes to make the patient's home more suitable for his/her life.
- The Patient's Success in Rehabilitation What is its Role?
Although a certain period of the day is spent in the session with the physiotherapist, rehabilitation continues 24 hours a day. It's time for therapy sessions It is very important to apply what is learned in the rest of the day. Frequent repetition of the exercises prescribed by physiotherapists will accelerate recovery. However, it should not be forgotten that recovery after a stroke is very gradual and the person should not lose his determination in this regard.
- Factors Affecting the Success of Rehabilitation:
There are many experts in the rehabilitation team who focus on achieving the best functional level for the patient. This The team includes;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist,
- Physiotherapist,
- Brain surgery specialist,
- Neurologist ,
- Occupational therapist,
- Speech therapist,
- Rehabilitation nurse,
- Psychologist
Assessment:
Evaluation is a continuous process that will continue throughout the rehabilitation program. The rehabilitation program is designed individually for each patient. Physicians and physiotherapists caring for the stroke patient observe the progress made and rearrange the therapy in accordance with the needs at each evaluation.
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