Stroke

Brain Infarct│CVA│Brain Haemorrhage

Stroke is a disease that causes damage to brain tissue due to blockage or bleeding in the brain’s blood vessels. This sudden interruption of blood supply and lack of oxygen and nutrients to the brain leads to localized brain cell damage or death.

Common symptoms of stroke (often sudden onset):

Numbness or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg
Severe headache
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Vision loss or blurriness
Balance and coordination problems, such as unsteady walking or loss of balance
Severe dizziness or loss of consciousness

Types of stroke:

Ischemic stroke: Includes blockage of a cerebral artery (ischemic stroke) and transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Hemorrhagic stroke: Includes intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Causes of Stroke

Common risk factors for stroke:

High blood pressure
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Smoking
Lack of physical activity

Treatment Methods of Stroke

Stroke treatment methods includes:

Acute treatment: If the patient seeks medical care within a few hours of onset, the doctor may consider administering thrombolytic drugs (e.g. tissue plasminogen activator) to dissolve clots. For hemorrhagic stroke, the focus is on controlling bleeding and reducing intracranial pressure.
Thrombectomy: For certain ischemic stroke cases, doctors may consider endovascular treatment methods such as thrombectomy or angioplasty to restore blood flow.
Prevention: Controlling risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.

Physiotherapy for Stroke

Physiotherapists can design exercise and rehabilitation programs, including joint stretching, muscle strengthening, balance training, and gait training, to help patients regain muscle control, balance, and daily living skills.

TCM treatment for Stroke

Common TCM treatments include:

Internal medicine: Chinese medicine practitioners will prescribe herbs based on the patient’s symptoms and constitution, with a focus on promoting blood circulation and nourishing vital energy to aid in nerve cell repair.
Acupuncture: Stimulating specific acupuncture points, such as Baihui, Quchi, and Zusanli, can help regulate the body’s Qi and blood flow, as well as relieve muscle spasms, facilitating subsequent Physiotherapy.

MANA- Integration of Treatment for Stroke

The combination of Chinese medicine and Physiotherapy can have a more comprehensive effect in stroke rehabilitation. Physiotherapy can provide targeted training for muscle function and daily living skills, while Chinese medicine can promote the repair process by regulating blood circulation. This integrated Eastern and Western approach can help stroke patients recover more effectively.

FAQ

Can stroke patients fully recover?

The recovery from a stroke depends on various factors, and the recovery time and degree are affected by the following:

The cause of the stroke
The affected area of the brain
The treatment methods and timing
The patient's previous physical condition and medical history
The level of participation by the patient and their family in the rehabilitation process
The arrangement and plan for the rehabilitation treatment

Generally, patients with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) can fully recover to their pre-stroke activity levels, while more severe strokes require active participation in rehabilitation to recover their physical coordination and activity abilities.

How can families help stroke patients recover?

After a stroke, the patient may experience changes in their physical coordination, activity abilities, and even emotional issues due to changes in the brain or their lifestyle.

Families can provide assistance and support in the following ways:

Provide appropriate care and assistance, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding
Assist the patient in doing rehabilitation exercises, such as limb movements, muscle training, stretching, and walking
Provide a balanced and nutritious diet
Appropriately adjust the home environment, such as installing handrails and removing obstacles
Provide emotional support, patiently listen to the patient's thoughts and concerns, and give them positive encouragement to boost their confidence
Seek professional help when necessary

How long does it take to recover from a stroke?

The recovery time from a stroke varies depending on the severity:

Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Generally recovers within a month, with perhaps minor residual symptoms
Mild stroke: The initial 3-6 months are the golden treatment period, and it's expected that the patient can recover more than half of their function within 6 months, with the possibility of continued rehabilitation
Severe stroke: The initial 3-6 months are the golden treatment period, and the patient can make progress in their activity and self-care abilities, but some physical functions may not fully recover. Continued rehabilitation is recommended to prevent further deterioration of bodily functions.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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