Paralysis Treatment and Recovery after Stroke
Stroke and Paralysis are very often heard together. Very often Stroke may lead to Paralysis; often on one side of the body. Paralysis of either side result in problems with co-ordination and balance. “Paralysis treatment often needs a multi-disciplinary approach involving sustained physiotherapy exercises for paralysis before paralysis patient begins to get independent” says Dr Sneha (PT), Neuro physiotherapist at ReLiva Physiotherapy Thane.
Stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. While, Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move some or all of the body.
Which body parts get affected by Paralysis?
Paralysis is identified in common language as paralysis of left side of body or paralysis of right side. Medically, it is named by part of the body affected as following types:
- Monoplegia, which affects only one arm or leg.
- Hemiplegia, which affects one arm and one leg on the same side of your body.
- Diplegia, which affects the same area on both sides of the body such as both legs or arms.
- Paraplegia, which affects both of your legs.
- Quadriplegia or Tetraplegia, affects both arms and both legs and sometimes entire area from the neck down.
Speech is also affected sometimes, if stroke involves the temporal lobe of the brain.
How can I recover quickly from Paralysis?
Golden Rule for Paralysis: Repetition is key to recovery from stroke paralysis
For quick recovery from paralysis, the patient needs to be consistent with the following:
- Your physiotherapist will teach you exercises that use the ‘good’ side to assist paralyzed muscles. This also helps to rewire the brain.
- Aim for high repetition.
- Move your paralyzed limb through full range of motion, even if attained with external support.
Which exercise is best for Paralysis?
Passive exercise is perfect for those recovering from paralysis:
- It uses the ‘good’ side to assist paralyzed muscles
- Repeat: do the exercise daily, several times
A physiotherapist will help you learn passive exercises suitable for your condition.
What is the best treatment for paralysis?
The best treatment for paralysis is a combination of therapy, exercises and aids:
- Physiotherapy which uses therapy and techniques to stimulate the affected nerves and muscles.
- Occupational therapy which focuses on helping the patient resume perform Activities of daily living.
Based on the condition of the paralysis patient a ReLiva physiotherapist may advise you to use certain support equipment including the following:
- Mobility Aids like wheelchair
- Supportive Devices like brace, cane and walkers
- Adaptive equipment wherever necessary, like grips, special eating utensils and bath and washroom equipment.
What is included in Treatment & Recovery after Stroke
Treatment depends on the type of stroke, including which part of the brain was affected and what caused it. Physiotherapy is known to play a major role in the recovery of the patient starting right in the hospital.
People who survive a stroke are often left with long-term problems caused by injury to their brain.
A systematic physiotherapy based rehab program can help. A good rehab program will start with setting goals.
- At first, these may be simple goals, such as picking up an object.
- As condition improves, more demanding long-term goals, such as standing or walking, will be set.
Related Reading: Stroke Rehabilitation: A multidisciplinary approach
Stroke Rehabilitation should be started as quickly as possible and can last anywhere from few months to over a year. Early recovery and rehabilitation can improve functions and sometimes result into remarkable recoveries for someone who suffered a stroke.
Some people need a long period of rehabilitation to even recover simple activities of daily life. Maximum return of function can be achieved/seen in the very first few months after the stroke incidence, so it is advisable – “”
You may choose to take a rehab program at your home or go for an in patient rehab program with ReLiva.
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What are the Do’s and Don’ts for paralytic patients?
Here are the few things to avoid after stroke :
- A paralytic patient should avoid high cholesterol food
- Maintain blood pressure; avoid BP above 130/90
- Quit smoking
- Avoid lying in one position for long duration can lead to pressure sores or deformities.
- Avoid holding patient from arms while transfers can lead to dislocation of shoulder
- Avoid missing on exercise session and medication
Similarly, here are few tips that a stroke patient will find beneficial, if done:
- Follow proper positioning and lifting techniques, as taught by the physiotherapist.
- Go for general flexibility exercises and follow up with the repetitions advised.
- Change position after every 2 hours, even if it means turning side or folding and straightening legs. You can use air or water beds to prevent bed sores.
- Eat a healthy diet.
What can be done for Paralysis of the left side of the Body
Paralysis of the left side of the Body or Left Hemispheric Stroke, happens when blood cannot flow to the right hemisphere (side) of your brain.
- A stroke caused by a blood clot is called an ischemic stroke.
- A stroke caused by a burst or torn blood vessel is called a hemorrhagic stroke.
Signs and symptoms of left side stroke:
The left hemisphere of your brain controls the right side of your body. It also controls your speech and language abilities. You may have any of the following:
- Trouble swallowing, walking, or remembering
- Paralysis or weakness on the right side of your body
- Falling toward your right side
- Lack of awareness of the right side of your body
- Trouble speaking, reading, writing, or understanding language
- Changes in mood or the ability to pay attention or learn new information
What are the Warning signs for Paralysis?
Remember FAST when you want to help someone with Stroke.
- F = Face: One side of the face droops.
- A = Arms: One arm starts to drop when both arms are raised.
- S = Speech: Speech is slurred or sounds different than usual.
- T = Time: A person who is having a stroke needs to be seen immediately. A stroke is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment. Some medicines and treatments work best if given within a few hours of a stroke.
How Physiotherapy helps in Stroke Paralysis?
- Physiotherapy enables people to relearn lost abilities, regain independence and reduce the risk of further strokes.
- Physiotherapy improves recovery of function and mobility after stroke. NICE recommends a minimum of 45 minutes of physiotherapy five days a week as part of a seven day, of specialist stroke rehabilitation service. High intensity therapy is needed to relearn lost abilities.
- Rehabilitation should continue for as long as the person is showing measurable benefit from treatment and achievement of their agreed goals.
- From 24 hours after a stroke, physiotherapists begin rehabilitation in short frequent spells, focused on getting out of bed, standing and walking. This repetitive task training helps person to regain movement and relearn everyday activities.
At Reliva, Physiotherapists will use a combination of latest techniques, modalities, exercises and assistive equipment to enhance stroke rehabilitation. Call +91 99209 91584 to know more about ReLiva Stroke Rehab Programmes near you.
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