tenda Health

Stroke is a serious medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide every year. It occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. Stroke can lead to permanent disability or death if not treated quickly and effectively.

Fortunately, the incidence of stroke-related emergencies has decreased substantially over recent years due to improved understanding of the pathophysiology of stroke and identification of new drugs designed to treat the multitude of possible targets

Here are some of the latest trends in stroke prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Telestroke and Mobile Stroke Units: Saving Time and Lives

One of the most important factors in stroke management is time. The sooner a stroke patient receives medical attention, the better their chances of survival and recovery. However, not all stroke patients have easy access to specialized stroke centers or neurologists, especially in rural or remote areas.

That’s where telestroke and mobile stroke units come in. Telestroke is a system that allows stroke specialists to remotely evaluate and treat stroke patients using videoconferencing and digital imaging technology. Mobile stroke units are ambulances equipped with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools, such as CT scanners and clot-busting drugs, that can provide immediate care to stroke patients on the scene.

Both telestroke and mobile stroke units have been shown to reduce the time from stroke onset to treatment, as well as the mortality and morbidity of stroke patients. They also improve the access and quality of stroke care for underserved populations.

Post-Stroke Care: Beyond the Hospital

Stroke recovery does not end when the patient leaves the hospital. Stroke survivors often face long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that require ongoing support and rehabilitation. Therefore, stroke management systems should include post-stroke care facilities on top of existing primary care and access to occupational, speech or any physical therapy following hospital discharge.

Post-stroke care facilities are specialized centers that provide comprehensive and coordinated care to stroke survivors and their caregivers. They offer a range of services, such as medical monitoring, medication management, psychological counseling, social work, education, and community integration. Post-stroke care facilities aim to improve the quality of life and functional outcomes of stroke survivors, as well as to prevent secondary stroke and other complications.

Physiotherapy: Enhancing Mobility and Function

One of the most common and debilitating effects of stroke is impaired mobility and function. Stroke can cause muscle weakness, spasticity, balance problems, coordination difficulties, and gait abnormalities that limit the ability of stroke survivors to perform daily activities and participate in society.

Physiotherapy is a vital component of post-stroke rehabilitation that helps stroke survivors regain their mobility and function. Physiotherapists use various techniques and modalities, such as exercise, massage, electrical stimulation, and assistive devices, to improve the strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination of stroke survivors. Physiotherapists also educate stroke survivors and their caregivers on how to prevent falls, manage pain, and cope with disability.

Physiotherapists have also initiated clinical trials of stroke recovery processes and rehabilitation therapy sessions. One ongoing study includes a strategy to manage disability by improving mobility using treadmill exercise, electromechanical device therapy and circuit class therapy. Another study involves the use of virtual reality and gaming technology to enhance motor learning and motivation in stroke survivors.

Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtables: Advancing Research and Practice

Stroke recovery and rehabilitation is a complex and dynamic field that requires collaboration and innovation from multiple disciplines and stakeholders. Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtables are an initiative that brings physiotherapists and other experts together to recommend research directions and produce guidance for the post-stroke healthcare system.

The roundtables cover various topics related to stroke recovery and rehabilitation, such as measurement, interventions, implementation, and participation. The roundtables aim to identify knowledge gaps, prioritize research questions, synthesize evidence, and develop consensus statements and recommendations. The roundtables also foster communication and dissemination of best practices among researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and patients.

In the end…

Stroke is a major public health issue that poses significant challenges and opportunities for the healthcare system. Technology and therapy are two key areas that are driving the trends in stroke prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. By leveraging telestroke and mobile stroke units, post-stroke care facilities, physiotherapy, and stroke recovery and rehabilitation roundtables, we can improve the outcomes and quality of life of stroke patients and their families. Optimized delivery of stroke care systems and access to rehabilitation services are the future of healthcare for stroke.