Hello! Welcome to Reignite Health, Bokz the Bio here ready and happy to educate you more on health so you can reignite your health.
Today’s topic will briefly explain a stroke and how Biokineticists can help you manage and regain your independence after having a stroke.
What is a Stroke?
Stroke is known as cerebrovascular accident or CVA. It is caused by a blockage in an artery in your brain or a burst blood vessel in your brain that leads to death of part of your brain tissue and thus a stroke. There are 3 main types of strokes, namely a transient ischemic stroke, ischemic stroke, and Haemorrhagic stroke.
Ischaemic Stroke
Main type of stroke. It consists of a blockage in an artery in the brain. This blockage leads to a lack of oxygen to a part of the brain causing brain cell death and thus a stroke. It is mainly caused by your lifestyle habits including smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, excessive alcohol consumption, and diabetes.
Haemorrhagic Stroke
This happens when a blood vessel in your brain ruptures. Blood collects in the brain interrupting the circulation of other systems. Inflammation and swelling begin to develop increasing the pressure in your brain. Stroke signs begin to form straight after. It is mainly caused by high blood pressure but a brain aneurysm or malformation in a blood vessel can also cause this type of stroke.
Transient Ischaemic Stroke
Also known as a “mini stroke”. It is similar to an ischaemic stroke, but symptoms usually resolve on its own.
Possible symptoms a person may have?
- Loss of feeling to one side of the body, known as hemiparalysis
- Visual disturbances such as blurry vision, double vision, limited vision
- Increased risk of falling cause by gait, balance and coordination deficits
- Impaired ability to learn new skills
- Difficulty speaking and/or expressing yourself
- Sleep disorders
- Muscle pain and tightness known as spasticity
- Cognitive deficits
- Increased risk for co-morbidities such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol
How to detect if someone is having a stroke
The quicker a stroke is treated the better the survival and morbidity rate. For this reason, acting FAST is crucial. This is also an acronym that is known as Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Ask the person to smile, raise their arms over their head, and tell you, their name. Look for asymmetry when they smile and lift their arms. Look for changes in pronunciation and formulating words. And get them to the hospital immediately if there are any differences.
Who is involved in the rehabilitation after having a stroke?
A holistic approach is preferred in the management of stroke. A Neurologist diagnoses the stroke and sets up the overall treatment plan. A General Practitioner helps with the management of existing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
A Biokineticist, Physiotherapist, Speech Therapist, and Occupational Therapist support you on your rehabilitative journey. Lastly, family, community, and psychology support target your mental wellbeing throughout the journey.
All professionals play a crucial role in your recovery.
How can a Biokineticist help you regain your independence?
Biokineticists play a vital role in stroke rehabilitation by improving your functional movement, strength, and endurance using exercise therapy.
We help you
· Restore movement and strength using targeted exercises
· Regain the ability to walk and do daily tasks independently
· Improve your postural stability, reducing your risk of falls
· Improve your cardiovascular fitness
· Reduce muscle stiffness and spasticity with stretching and mobility exercises
· Promote the formation of new nerve pathways known as neuroplasticity
· Long-term lifestyle integration by promoting routine exercise and proper movement
Looking For A Biokinticist In Fourways?
Book an assessment with Bokamoso Mthimkulu Biokineticist at Reignite Health and discover how exercise can help reduce the effects of chronic inflammation, improve your mobility, and support a healthier, more active life.
Wishing you a lovely week ahead. Chat soon.
Bokz the Bio
Everybody has the ability to take control of their own health
Email: bmbio@reignitehealth.co.za