- By Iram Hussain
- Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:41 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Stroke, a life-threatening condition occurs when the supply of blood to any part of the brain is obstructed or stopped which leaves the brain cells deprived of oxygen and they eventually die. According to WHO, it is a common condition affecting 15 million people across the world out of which 5 million people die each year. It affects the physical and cognitive ability of a person like slurry speed, loss of muscle control or paralysis and could take months or years to regain the strength and is different for all. A stroke can affect anyone irrespective of age but is most common in older people who are 65 or above.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Puneet Kant Arora - HOD neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram lists various factors that are associated with stroke and ways to regain strength after it.
Risk Factors For Stroke
Hypertension- One of the major causes is high blood pressure. To prevent stroke, it is important to keep a check on blood pressure through regular monitoring.
Diabetes- It is also considered as a reason for stroke due to blood vessel damage and is important to keep a check on the level of sugar in the blood.
Unhealthy Lifestyle- Stroke risk is more in case of a sedentary lifestyle or the consumption of unhealthy and harmful toxins like drinking alcohol or smoking.
Heart Conditions- Heart health maintenance is essential to prevent stroke, irregular heartbeat or heart diseases can contribute towards a higher risk of stroke.
Ways To Regain Strength After Stroke
Recovering from a stroke and gaining back strength has different levels of challenges which varies from person to person depending upon the severity of the stroke and the part which is affected. Rehabilitation program is a set of therapies designed to treat the affected part of the brain and relearn the set of skills lost after it. It includes speaking, movement, strength, writing and other daily life skills. Various activities and therapies are involved in this process are as follows.
Physical Therapy
It involves physiotherapy to improve movement or numbness and paralysis in any part of the body. Exercises, balance training, walking or swallowing are a few set of skills that are revived through this
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy
To improve concentration, thinking ability, speech and writing skills to enhance effective communication.
Occupational Therapy
It includes training the person to do the basic everyday activities like eating, sitting, cooking, dressing and taking a bath.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
It includes training the brain to help fight tiredness, anxiety and depression. Emotional support is a crucial part because of increased frustration caused by the inability to do certain basic tasks.
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