Stroke cases on the rise in Telangana
Recent statistics indicate a worrying trend of increasing incidence of stroke. TelanganaStroke is currently the fourth leading cause of death in India, and Telangana is no exception. Telangana has a higher rate of hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain) than ischemic stroke (caused by a blood clot). However, despite this high prevalence, there is a significant gap in need. Neurorehabilitation For recovery after a stroke.
According to a study published in The Lancet Global Health in July 2021, stroke was the largest contributor to neurological disorder DALYs in India in 2019, accounting for 37.9% of disabilities. This highlights the urgent need for early intervention, comprehensive care, and effective prevention efforts to reduce its long-term effects on individuals and the Telangana healthcare system.
Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke
The warning signs of a stroke can be identified by the acronym “FAST,” which stands for drooping face, arm weakness, difficulty speaking and timing. Other common warning signs include:
- Sudden numbness in the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding things
- Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache of unknown cause
- Difficulty moving one side of the body
Causes and preventive measures
Stroke can have many causes, including both medical and lifestyle factors. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, excessive use of blood thinners, aneurysm, stroke and poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor food choices and lack of exercise increase the risk of stroke. It is important to take preventive steps to reduce the risk of stroke.
Relaxation exercises like yoga and meditation can help control stress levels
Regular monitoring of cholesterol and blood pressure is important as high blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for stroke. Consult your doctor about ways to monitor and manage your blood pressure using lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medications.
Diabetics are more likely to have a stroke. Keep your blood sugar levels normal by eating a healthy diet, exercising, and taking the medications your doctor prescribes
Smoking damages blood arteries and increases the likelihood of blood clots, increasing the risk of stroke. Excessive alcohol consumption also raises blood pressure and can lead to health problems that increase the likelihood of stroke
Neurorehabilitation: The Path to Optimal Recovery
Rehabilitation is crucial to recovery as it promotes strength, ability, and confidence. Adopting cutting-edge technology-driven therapies that use robotics, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies can help in rehabilitation. However, working with a skilled neurorehabilitation specialist is essential to accelerate growth in a safe environment. It is also important to appreciate the small victories of progress achieved on the road to recovery.
Some of the major treatments are as follows:
Physical therapy (PT) helps improve strength, balance, coordination, and mobility. Exercise, gait training, and the use of assistive devices are among the techniques that are used.
Occupational therapy (OT) enables patients to perform everyday tasks independently. This includes self-care instruction, household management, and adapting to the home environment.
Speech and language therapy treats communication deficits and swallowing challenges. It improves voice clarity, linguistic proficiency, and cognitive communication ability.
Cognitive rehabilitation therapy aims to restore cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, executive function, and problem solving.
Psychological counseling helps patients deal with emotional and psychological problems during stroke rehabilitation, including anxiety, sadness, and adjustment disorders.
Stroke victims and their families often expect a quick recovery and become frustrated when obstacles arise. Dealing with rapid changes in physical abilities and lifestyle can be emotionally draining, and obstacles such as frustration and lack of family support can have an even more negative impact on patient health. Many stroke survivors suffer from sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The transition from an autonomous, energetic lifestyle to one with constraints can cause feelings of loss and dissatisfaction. As a result, it is important to pay equal attention to patients’ mental health to increase the efficacy of rehabilitation efforts. Thus, with the right support and timely intervention, stroke patients can achieve significant improvements in quality of life.
(Author: Dr. Vijay Battina, Centre Head, Atharva Ability – Neurological Rehabilitation Centre (Hyderabad))
