Stroke

Stroke occurs due to a decrease or blockage in the brains blood supply. When this happens, the brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients, and brain cells start to die.

This is a medical emergency. Although many strokes are treatable, some can lead to disability or death.

There are three main types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke. A blood clot prevents blood and oxygen from reaching an area of the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. These are usually the result of aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): This occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is inadequate for a brief period of time. Normal blood flow resumes after a short amount of time, and the symptoms resolve without treatment. Some people call this a mini-stroke.

Causes and risk factors

Each type of stroke has a different set of potential causes. Generally, however, stroke is more likely to affect a person if they:

• are overweight or are obese
• are 55 years of age or older
• have a personal or family history of stroke
• have high blood pressure
• have diabetes
• have high cholesterol
• have heart disease, carotid artery disease, or another vascular disease
• are sedentary
• consume alcohol excessively
• smoke
• use illicit drugs

Symptoms:

Symptoms vary and may range in severity.

Learning the acronym “FAST” is a good way to remember the symptoms of stroke. This can help a person seek prompt treatment. FAST stands for:

Face drooping: If the person tries to smile, does one side of their face droop?

Arm weakness: If the person tries to raise both their arms, does one arm drift downward?

Speech difficulty: If the person tries to repeat a simple phrase, is their speech slurred or unusual?

Time to act: If any of these symptoms are occurring, contact the emergency services immediately.

Beyond F.A.S.T., a stroke may also cause the following symptoms to develop suddenly:

• difficulty walking
• dizziness
• falling without an identifiable cause
• a sudden inability to understand speech
• confusion
• rapidly developing vision problems
• a severe headache without an apparent cause

What can a Biokineticist do for stroke patients?

Exercise therapy with a biokineticist will include focus on:

Aerobic exercise that include large muscle activities (walking, cycling or arm ergometry). This will help with activities of daily living, reducing motor impairment, improving cognition and improving vascular health.

Muscular strength and endurance training of both upper and lower extremities. This will help with occupational activities, activities of daily living, and reducing cardiac demands during lifting or carrying objects by increasing muscular strength.

Flexibility that will include focus on both the upper and lower extremities. This will help with increase range of motion, decrease risk of injury and increase activities of daily living.

Neuromuscular activities that will include balance and coordination. This will help with balance, quality of life, mobility, decrease fear of falling and improve level of safety during activities of daily living.