Basic Principles of Stroke Rehabilitation Treatment

Written by Li Chao Jin Zi
Neurorehabilitation
Updated on August 31, 2024
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There are several key principles for stroke rehabilitation. The first emphasizes that rehabilitation should start as early as possible. In cases of ischemic stroke, generally when the patient is conscious and vital signs are stable, rehabilitation can begin after 48 hours. For patients with high blood pressure or cerebral hemorrhage, it is generally recommended to start rehabilitation after seven days. The second principle emphasizes the active participation of the patient, encouraging patients to actively engage in rehabilitation training and communicate with therapists to achieve functional improvement. The third point emphasizes comprehensive rehabilitation; stroke patients often have issues in multiple areas such as language, cognition, swallowing, limb movement, and functional balance, so it is suggested that patients undergo comprehensive rehabilitation rather than focusing on just one aspect. The fourth point stresses the continuity of rehabilitation, as rehabilitation therapy is an ongoing process.

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Is lacunar infarction considered a stroke?

Lacunar stroke is a type of stroke, mainly characterized by the blockage of small blood vessels, comprising 21 syndromes. There are motor types, sensory types, mixed types, as well as those combined with speech disorders, swallowing disorders, and unstable walking. If it progresses to become severe or worsens, it can also include dementia and significant cognitive impairment, all of which fall under the category of stroke.

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Six Common Manifestations of Stroke

Firstly, patients may experience language impairment, primarily characterized by unclear speech or sensory aphasia, where they cannot understand others' conversations. Secondly, motor dysfunction is also a very common symptom, typically presenting as hemiplegia on one side of the body. Thirdly, sensory dysfunction can occur, manifested as numbness in one side of the body, an inability to feel pain, and an inability to sense temperature. Fourthly, there may be signs of ataxia, such as unstable walking or standing. Fifthly, there may be difficulties in swallowing, coughing while drinking water, and articulation disorders. Lastly, cognitive dysfunction can also occur, characterized by slow responsiveness and similar symptoms.

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What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Stroke, also commonly referred to as cerebrovascular accident, is caused by the rupture or blockage of blood vessels within the skull, leading to necrosis of brain tissue and a series of symptoms. It is divided into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke, commonly known as cerebral infarction or stroke, while hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage. Generally, ischemic strokes account for 80% of cases. Ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of blood vessels leading to necrosis of brain tissue, presenting with a series of symptoms such as hemiplegic numbness. Cerebral hemorrhage results from rupture of brain blood vessels causing damage to brain cells and symptoms of compression, and may also present with symptoms such as hemiplegic numbness. Both types can be differentiated by their symptoms, and can also be definitively diagnosed through a CT scan.

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The difference between stroke and cerebral hemorrhage

Stroke includes hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke refers to cerebral infarction. Thus, they are included in the category of stroke. If symptoms similar to stroke occur, such as facial droop and limb weakness, along with a sudden increase in blood pressure, it is essential to go to the hospital immediately. The first step should be a cranial CT scan to determine whether it is a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, to guide further different treatments. Therefore, one must go to the hospital promptly if such symptoms appear.

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Stroke Rehabilitation Treatment Plan

In the rehabilitation treatment of stroke patients, we first need to conduct a comprehensive rehabilitation assessment, evaluating the patient's current primary clinical symptoms, nutritional status, and rehabilitation functional impairments. Based on the results of the assessment, we determine the patient's main functional impairments, targeting a series of functional impairments such as mobility, hand function, as well as speech and swallowing disorders. We adopt a series of therapeutic interventions including exercise therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, swallowing therapy, speech therapy, psychological therapy, rehabilitation engineering, and rehabilitation nursing. Generally speaking, through evaluation, we develop a personalized rehabilitation treatment plan for the patient, comprehensively promoting the patient's overall recovery, improving the patient’s ability to live independently, and helping them return to their families, society, and work positions as soon as possible.