Healing after a stroke

Introduction

In a stroke, certain areas of the brain are undersupplied by an occlusion of an artery or, in rare cases, by a cerebral hemorrhage. As a result, the cells in this area die and neurological deficits develop. However, the sudden neurological deficits are not only stressful but also frightening.

Some patients experience life-threatening situations during a stroke, which are a challenge for the body and the psyche. However, once the acute event is over, the patient has to go a long way from examination, rehabilitation and medication. Here the aim is to help the person as much as possible to regain all abilities and to offer good prophylaxis against a new stroke.

An early start of therapy (Time is Brain) is particularly important for healing or a reduction in symptoms. In this way the cells can be saved before they die. The affected vessel is also important.

In a so-called major stroke, important vessels supplying the brain are affected and patients suffer a severe deficit. In a minor stroke, on the other hand, only slight neurological deficits remain. Recovery can be positively influenced by various rehabilitation measures.

The typical healing process looks like this

An early start of therapy (Time is Brain) is particularly important for a cure or a reduction of symptoms. In this way the cells can be saved before they die. The affected vessel is also important.

The healing process after a stroke goes through different phases. The earlier the treatment begins in hospital, the higher the chances of a quick recovery. The patient with a stroke is the first to arrive at the emergency room, where treatment is initiated as soon as possible after the diagnosis has been established.

If no other diseases prohibit it, a strong blood thinning (lysis) is given via the vein and if necessary the blocked vessel is freed with a catheter (thrombectomy). The symptoms can already improve significantly during the therapy. Ideally, the treatment should then take place in a stroke unit.

Stroke units are facilities that specialize in the treatment of strokes. In the acute phase, vital parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate must first be stabilized. Just as important is a well adjusted blood sugar level and a temperature below 37.5°.

This can prevent the development of brain edema. Brain edema is a major complication that has an adverse effect on the healing process. If the acute phase is overcome, the patient should be further stabilized.

In addition, the first rehabilitation measures should be initiated. These include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. The existing neurological functions should thus be protected.

Complications such as spasticity – muscle cramping – should also be prevented. But what exactly happens in the brain during the healing process? New scientific findings have shown that a stroke leads to a reorganization of the brain.

In medical terminology, this process is called neuronal plasticity. Rehabilitation therapy attempts to promote this reorganization through various therapeutic concepts. Clinical progress depends on it.

Furthermore, the coordination of movement sequences should be improved in this way. A further important point of rehabilitation is the integration of the patient into everyday life and into professional life. The patient should learn to deal with his disability.

In addition to the entire rehabilitation measures, prophylaxis is also essential. This should be done 48 hours after the stroke with ASS® or Clopidogrel®. Risk factors should be eliminated in the further course of healing. These include abstaining from nicotine, excessive alcohol consumption and weight reduction.Blood pressure and blood sugar must also be well adjusted and regularly checked.