A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, resulting in damage to brain cells. This can occur due to a blocked or burst blood vessel in the brain.
There are two main types of strokes:
Ischemic stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, reducing blood flow to the affected area.
Hemorrhagic stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain.
Common symptoms of stroke include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, difficulty speaking or understanding language, vision problems, severe headache, and loss of balance or coordination.
Prompt medical attention is crucial in treating a stroke, as early intervention can help reduce the risk of long-term damage or disability. Treatment for Stroke physiotherapy typically involves restoring blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible, often with medication such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve blood clots or surgery to remove blockages or repair blood vessels. Rehabilitation is also an important part of stroke physiotherapy, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to help restore function and improve quality of life.