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ABIGAIL CHISM: Rehab helps stroke patients regain independence

Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - 7/20/2018

July 20--According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the U.S.

A stroke occurs when blood is unable to flow to a certain area or areas of the brain resulting in death of brain cells. Symptoms of stroke include difficulty speaking, memory loss, numbness/tingling, muscle weakness and visual deficits. A stroke may be classified as hemorrhagic or ischemic. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused when a blood vessel bursts, and ischemic strokes are cause by a clot blocking blood supply to an area of the brain. While hemorrhagic strokes are less common, they are also more fatal. Some risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, poor diet, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and lack of physical activity.

Treatment of stroke depends on the type and severity of stroke. Better outcomes and more treatment options are available for patients who seek medical help quickly. Treatment for stroke may include the use of medication, surgery or just the management of risk factors. In the case of an ischemic stroke, patients may be given a medication (tPA) to break up the blood clot or have a procedure to physically remove the clot. Treatment of a hemorrhagic stroke may include a procedure where a coil or metal clip is used to stop bleeding.

After a stroke, patients may require rehabilitation. Stroke rehabilitation can help those affected to regain independence and improve their quality of life. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy and/or speech therapy. Therapists work together to improve both physical and cognitive deficits caused by a stroke. Physical therapists work to improve strength and coordination and help patients to relearn how to do things such as walking. Occupational therapists assist patients with relearning how to perform daily tasks such as bathing and getting dressed. Physical therapist and occupational therapists may also determine if a patient could benefit from assistive equipment and make recommendations for things such as a walker, cane or wheelchair. Speech therapists work with patients to improve cognition, ability to speak clearly, understand and express language, and ability to safely swallow.

Stroke rehabilitation begins as soon as patients are stable enough to participate. The length of therapy depends on the severity of the stroke. Rehabilitation may be needed for weeks, months or even years after a stroke. Rehabilitation most often starts while patients are in the hospital. Acute care physical, occupational and speech therapists work with patients in the hospital and collaborate with case workers to determine what type of rehabilitation would be most beneficial for patients once discharged from the hospital. Rehabilitation settings include inpatient rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities and home health.

Recovery after a stroke takes time, and outcomes vary from person to person. Some factors that affect stroke recovery are the severity of the stroke, patient's motivation and commitment to their rehabilitation program, and support of loved ones. Patients typically see the most recovery in the first weeks and months after suffering a stroke, however, progress can continue to occur a year or more afterward.

Abigail Chism is a speech-language pathologist with the Acute Rehabilitation Department at North Mississippi Medical Center.

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(c)2018 the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (Tupelo, Miss.)

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