Recovering From A Stroke: Tips For Rehabilitation And Recovery

Strokes are a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention and often result in long-term health implications. While strokes are a leading cause of death, they can be cured through a combination of medical treatment and rehabilitation. This involves two stages: first, doctors work to restore normal blood flow in the brain and stop further damage; second, the patient undergoes rehabilitation to address the secondary effects of the stroke, such as movement, cognitive, and sensory issues. This process, known as neuroplasticity, involves the brain rewiring itself and recruiting healthy cells to compensate for the damaged areas. While there is no magic pill for curing strokes, certain supplements, diets, and lifestyle changes can aid in stroke recovery and prevention.

Call emergency services immediately if you suspect a stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency, and acting quickly can make a big difference in the outcome and recovery. If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away, and do not try to drive yourself or wait for a ride to the hospital. Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment, as brain cells begin to die within 4 minutes of the onset of a stroke.

When you call emergency services, provide as much information as possible about the person's condition, including any known medical history and the onset of symptoms. If possible, have someone stay with the person while you wait for help to arrive.

It is crucial to get the person to a hospital as quickly as possible, preferably one designated as a stroke center. These hospitals have neurologists and neurosurgeons on call and can provide rapid access to CT scans and other necessary treatments. The faster the person receives medical attention, the better the chances of a positive outcome.

Some signs and symptoms of a stroke include:

• Weakness or paralysis in the arm, leg, or face, often on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Coordination problems, such as stumbling or difficulty walking
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Vision problems, such as double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or blindness
• Sudden severe headache
• Loss of consciousness

Remember, if you suspect a stroke, don't hesitate to call for emergency medical help. The faster you act, the better the chances of a positive outcome.

Administer tissue plasminogen factor to break up blood clots

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a medication that doctors administer following a stroke caused by a blood clot. It is a thrombolytic drug, which means it can break up blood clots. tPA is administered through a vein to help restore normal blood flow to the brain.

TPA works by activating the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down blood clots. Specifically, tPA activates plasminogen, which is then converted into plasmin. Plasmin breaks down the bonds of blood clots and dissolves them.

The timely administration of tPA is crucial, as it can save lives and limit the damage from a stroke. It should be administered as soon as possible, ideally within 3 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms, and no later than 4.5 hours. Before administering tPA, doctors will perform a brain computerized tomography (CT) scan to rule out intracranial hemorrhage as the cause of the stroke.

The dosage of tPA is typically 0.9 mg/kg, administered intravenously in the arm, with a total dose not exceeding 90 mg. The initial dose is given as a bolus over 1 minute, and the remaining dose is gradually infused over the next hour.

During and after the administration of tPA, it is important to monitor and control the patient's blood pressure. Side effects of tPA include bleeding, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and allergic reactions.

TPA is a life-saving treatment for ischemic stroke, but it is not suitable for everyone. There are several contraindications and potential risks associated with its use, including an increased risk of bleeding and serious complications. It is important for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate each patient's condition before administering tPA.

Control blood pressure to ensure the brain gets enough blood

Controlling Blood Pressure to Prevent Strokes

Strokes occur when the brain's blood supply is interrupted or reduced, which can be caused by a blocked or burst blood vessel in the brain. High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes, so it is important to control your blood pressure to ensure the brain receives enough blood and prevent strokes.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force that pumps oxygen-rich blood around your body. It is influenced by a large number of factors, including genetic, hormonal, metabolic, neurological, and psychological factors. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure is the higher number, recorded while your heart pumps blood into your arteries, and diastolic blood pressure is the lower number, recorded when your heart is relaxing and refilling with blood between beats.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a systolic reading of at least 130 mm Hg or a diastolic reading of at least 80 mm Hg. Hypertension is a major risk factor for strokes, with a Harvard study finding that hypertension increases the risk of stroke by 220%. The higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk of stroke.

Lowering Blood Pressure

There are several ways to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Reduce your salt, alcohol, and refined carbohydrate intake, and increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
• Lose weight: Carrying extra weight forces your heart to work harder, increasing blood pressure. Losing just 10 pounds can reduce systolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg.
• Manage stress: Adopt relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to help lower blood pressure.
• Quit smoking: Nicotine increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Quitting smoking can reduce systolic blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg.
• Medication: If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower your blood pressure.

By controlling your blood pressure, you can significantly reduce your risk of stroke and improve your overall brain health.

Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a great way to reduce your risk of stroke and improve your overall health. Here are some tips to help you incorporate more of these foods into your diet:

Increase Your Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help protect your body against stroke and other health problems. Aim to include a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables in your diet, such as:

• Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli
• Bell peppers, onions, carrots, and asparagus
• Berries, citrus fruits, and apples
• Root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes

Try to eat at least 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day. You can add them to smoothies, salads, soups, or stews, or enjoy them as healthy snacks throughout the day.

Incorporate Whole Grains

Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet and can help lower your risk of stroke. Examples of whole grains include:

• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Oats
• Barley
• Farro
• Spelt
• Millet
• Whole-grain bread, pasta, and couscous

Try to make at least half of your grain consumption whole grains. You can easily incorporate them into your meals by having oatmeal for breakfast, quinoa or brown rice as a side dish, or using whole-grain bread for sandwiches.

Benefits of a Nutritious Diet

By consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you can expect several health benefits, including:

• Lower blood pressure: These foods are excellent sources of potassium, which helps control blood pressure.
• Reduced cholesterol: The fibre in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Improved gut health: Whole grains and fruits contain soluble fibre, which increases healthy gut bacteria and promotes better digestion.
• Weight management: These nutritious foods can help you maintain a healthy weight, as they are typically low in fat and high in fibre, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
• Better cardiovascular health: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall heart health.

Tips for Making Healthy Choices

• Start slowly: You don't have to overhaul your diet overnight. Make small, gradual changes, such as adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily meals or snacks.
• Choose healthy fats: Opt for healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocado instead of saturated fats found in processed meats and full-fat dairy products.
• Limit salt and sugar: Reduce your intake of processed foods, which are often high in salt and sugar. Season your meals with herbs and spices instead of salt, and choose lower-sugar options when possible.
• Consult with experts: Speak to a dietitian or your doctor for personalised advice and guidance on creating a diet plan that suits your needs and preferences.

Exercise regularly to decrease blood pressure and elevate HDL cholesterol

Exercise is a great way to lower blood pressure and elevate HDL cholesterol, which can reduce your risk of having a stroke.

Being physically active has countless benefits for your body and mind. It strengthens your heart and blood vessels, lowers your risk of heart disease and stroke, improves bone strength and balance, and can give you more energy and lift your mood.

If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will likely suggest that you try to become more active to lower it. It is always a good idea to speak to your doctor before starting any new physical activity, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. They may prefer to lower your blood pressure with medication before you start exercising.

The good news is that you don't have to join a gym or buy equipment to fit in physical activity. Walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, and heavy gardening, such as digging, are all examples of aerobic activities that can help lower blood pressure. The government recommends that every adult should be moderately active for 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Moderate activity is something that makes you feel warmer and makes you breathe harder, but you should still be able to talk without panting between words.

If you want to focus on strength training, the American Heart Association recommends lifting weights two or three times a week, targeting the major muscle groups. For each exercise, choose a weight you can lift eight to 12 times at most and do one set to fatigue. Some examples of exercises to target the major muscle groups include bench presses, shoulder presses, tricep extensions, bicep curls, and squats.

It is important to start slowly and gradually increase the amount and intensity of your workouts over time. This will help you avoid injury and build a consistent exercise routine. Adding some relaxing yoga poses to your routine will also increase your flexibility.

Frequently asked questions