The soft paralysis phase of a stroke refers to a few weeks after the onset.

Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Updated on September 11, 2024
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The recovery of stroke patients is generally divided into four phases: the flaccid phase, also known as the hypotonic phase, the spastic phase, the recovery phase, and the sequelae phase. The symptoms of the flaccid phase mainly include muscle relaxation, low muscle tone, and lack of autonomous movement. The majority of patients maintain the flaccid phase for about one to three weeks, and depending on the individual's condition, they generally begin to enter the spastic phase after one to three weeks. A small portion of patients with severe conditions and poor initiative, who have not undergone formal rehabilitation training, may extend their flaccid phase to more than a month or even longer. Therefore, receiving early formal rehabilitation training to improve muscle strength and spasticity treatment can allow patients to smoothly transition through the flaccid phase and gradually enter the spastic phase. Good management of spasticity is even more beneficial for the patient’s recovery. Rehabilitation training can help stroke patients recover sooner and faster.

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Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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Rehabilitation nursing for stroke patients

For the rehabilitation and nursing care of stroke patients, first and foremost, we need to monitor the patient's vital signs, food intake, sleep, as well as bowel and bladder function. Secondly, we should pay attention to their psychological state, checking for signs of tension, anxiety, and depressive emotional reactions. Thirdly, we encourage patients to overcome their illness and to establish confidence in their recovery. Fourthly, we guide patients to actively engage in physical function exercises, as well as daily activities such as eating and dressing to practice their daily living skills. Fifthly, we manage proper limb positioning and patient turning, prevent pressure sores, and also prevent a series of complications such as venous thrombosis and urinary tract infections.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction

Stroke is divided into hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke involves cerebral hemorrhage, while ischemic stroke involves cerebral infarction. Therefore, the difference is that stroke includes cerebral infarction, which is a type of ischemic stroke. In such cases, it is crucial to seek prompt hospital treatment and examine for risk factors related to cerebrovascular disease. Under the guidance of a doctor, the condition should be stabilized since the acute phase of a cerebral infarction might be unstable and could worsen. Thus, after stabilizing the condition, long-term oral medication will also be necessary to prevent future strokes.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What does stroke include?

Stroke, translated from the English word "stroke," refers to rapidly occurring pathological changes. Stroke mainly includes two types of diseases: ischemic cerebrovascular disease and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease, with ischemic cerebrovascular disease being the most common. Ischemic cerebrovascular disease includes large artery atherosclerotic cerebral infarction, small artery occlusive cerebral infarction, as well as cardiogenic cerebral embolism and other causes of cerebral infarction. Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease mainly includes cerebral hemorrhage caused by hypertension, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and cerebral hemorrhage caused by aneurysms or vascular malformations. The onset of a stroke is very aggressive and can severely threaten the patient's health. Once a stroke is suspected, it is critical to rush to the hospital for appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis and provide the most suitable treatment plan.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction

Stroke includes ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke refers to cerebral infarction, while hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage. Symptoms such as limb weakness, slurred speech, or other neurological deficits should initially suggest the possibility of a stroke. Whether it is an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke may be related to the symptoms, but a CT scan is essential. If a CT scan rules out cerebral hemorrhage, then cerebral infarction is more likely. The treatment varies with time; within 4.5 hours, if the conditions for thrombolytic therapy are met and there are no contraindications, and the relatives have signed an informed consent, thrombolytic treatment can be administered. If this time window is exceeded, this opportunity is lost, so it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately upon symptom onset.