Stroke (Cardio Vascular Accident, CVA)

 

 

• ​What is Stroke

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A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells.

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• Types of Stroke

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There are two types of stroke:

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1. An Ischemic Stroke is a blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain, ultimately causing a brain infarction – or death of brain tissue. Ischemic Stroke accounts for approximately 80 % of all Stroke incidents. Ischemic Strokes can also be caused by either an abnormal narrowing or thickening of the artery wall. Also called Embolic Stroke or Thrombotic Stroke.

2. A Haemorrhagic Stroke is bleeding into or around the brain. Such strokes account for approximately 20 % of all strokes. Also called Intracerebral Haemorrhage or Subarachnoid Haemorrhage. 

 

Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood (Ischemic Stroke) or when they are damaged by sudden bleeding into or around the brain (Haemorrhagic Stroke). When blood flow to the brain is interrupted, some brain cells die immediately, while others remain at risk of death.

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How Can Physiotherapy Help in Stroke

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At Sidhu Neurophysiotherapy ,we are able to deliver tailored stroke rehabilitation programs. A Stroke may affect different areas of your body.

 

Common areas which can be enhanced through Neurological Physiotherapy include:

• Improving walking 

• Improving arm and hand function after Stroke

• Reducing post-stroke shoulder pain from shoulder instability or weakness

• Enhancing mobility by addressing any foot dragging

• Reducing spasticity in limbs and muscles

• Addressing weak and spastic muscles

• Re-educating movement patterns through natural and assisted technology methods.

 

Sometimes patients have been told that they have reached a point where they will no longer improve.

From our experience, we have seen improvement in clients many years after the onset of their condition.

With determination, We can help clients regain movement and function long after they have been told they have ‘plateaued’ in their recovery

 

Multiple Sclerosis ( MS )

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• What is MS and types of MS

 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

 

 

• Symptoms and their progression in MS

 

The symptoms of MS vary widely from person to person and can affect any part of the body.

The main symptoms include:

• fatigue

• difficulty walking

• vision problems, such as blurred vision

• problems controlling the bladder

• numbness or tingling in different parts of the body

• muscle stiffness and spasms

• problems with balance and co-ordination

• problems with thinking, learning and planning

Depending on the type of MS you have, your symptoms may come and go in phases or get steadily worse over time (progress).

 

 

How can Physiotherapy help in MS

 

MS can cause a range of symptoms that can be treated individually. Sidhu Neurophysiotherapy can provide you support at home to manage your symptoms and helping you to gain as much as possible independence.

 

Fatigue: Many people with MS experience fatigue. Ways to manage fatigue include:

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• exercise

• keeping healthy sleep patterns

• energy-saving techniques

• avoiding medicine that can worsen fatigue (including some painkillers)

 

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Muscle spasms and stiffness

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Muscle spasms and stiffness (spasticity) can be improved with physiotherapy.  Techniques like stretching exercises can help if your movement is restricted.

 

Mobility problems

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Mobility problems are often the result of muscle spasms and spasticity, but they can also be caused by muscle weakness, or problems with balance or dizziness.

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If you have problems with mobility, you might benefit from:

• an exercise programme supervised by a physiotherapist

• special exercises called vestibular rehabilitation if you have problems with balance

• medicine for dizziness or tremors

• mobility aids, such as a walking stick or occasionally a wheelchair

• home adaptations, such as stair lifts or railings

 

Neuropathic & Musculoskeletal pain

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Living with MS can cause stresses and strains to the muscles and joints in your body.

A physiotherapist may be able to help with pain by suggesting exercise techniques or better seating positions. 

 

 

Head injuries

Acquired brain injury or head injury are broad terms describing an array of injuries that occur to the scalp, skull, brain, and underlying tissue and blood vessels in the head. Acquired brain injury does not include damage to the brain resulting from neurodegenerative disorders like Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease.

 

Acquired brain injuries are broadly classified into; traumatic brain injury derived from an external source and non-traumatic brain injury derived from either an internal or external source.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physiotherapy Management in Head injuries

 

Just as two people are not exactly alike, no two brain injuries are exactly alike. Therefore, the approach to neurological rehabilitation and physiotherapy after traumatic brain injury should observe neuroplasticity, motor learning, and motor control principles as well as taking a patient-centred approach with individual involvement in goals setting and choice of treatment procedures.

 

Postacute physiotherapy management focuses on reversing secondary adaptive changes and improving specific motor skills with a focus on functional goals for the day to day activities and is dependent on skilled sensorimotor assessment and a collaborative approach with other team members, the individual, and family. At this stage Sidhu NeuroPhysiotherapy can provide outpatient, and community-based ( domiciliary / home based) physiotherapy. 

 

We can help you with regaining the control of joints and muscle, help with balance issues and optimising the movement patterns. A Physiotherapy plan is developed to assists you with your exercises ,  to achieve your functional goals, mobility, and gain functional independence. 

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Parkinson’s disease (PD)  and other basal ganglion disorders

• What is (PD)

• Symptoms and their progression in PD

• How can Physiotherapy help in PD

 

Ataxia

• What is (PD)

• Symptoms and their progression in PD

• How can Physiotherapy help in PD

 

Motor neurone disease (MND)

 

• What is MND

• Symptoms and their progression in MND

• How can Physiotherapy help in MND

 

 

Complex regional pain syndrome

Myalgic encephalomyelitis ( chronic fatigue syndrome )

Fibromyalgia