Stroke is caused by the clogging or rupture of a brain artery.
There are ischemic strokes (caused by an obstruction) and hemorrhagic strokes (caused by a blood leak). Heart attacks and strokes are usually acute phenomena due mainly to blockages that obstruct blood flow to the heart or brain.
The major causes of cardiopathies and strokes are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and harmful alcohol consumption.
Stroke damages the brain causing injuries the type and degree of which depend on several factors, among the most important are: the extent of the injury, the part of the brain in which it is located, how it was affected and the repetition of events that occurred. Only 1 event is not the same as 5 in a short period of time. The possible complications and after-effects of the patient’s evolution will depend on the severity of the lesion generated by the vascular incident.
Rehabilitation Process
The rehabilitation process requires an approach by a specialized interdisciplinary team that, after evaluating the patient, will suggest personalized objectives, adapted to the realities of the patient and family members.
The primary objective of rehabilitation is to reduce disability, i.e., to enable the patient’s functions again. Treatment should be focused on achieving the greatest possible independence, appealing to neuronal plasticity and the ability to perform actions differently. Goals are personalized and are permanently reviewed according to the patient’s response. During hospitalization, the possibilities of patients’ re-insertion in all areas and aspects of life are evaluated, and this includes adapting the home so that it does not represent an architectural barrier to their functional development (ramps, handrails, bedroom and bathroom adaptations, kitchen utensils, etc.). Rehabilitation professionals as well as a clinical-neurological support team participate and interact in this treatment, where the family’ s involvement and assistance is essential. Along this process, family members are instructed to accompany and contribute to the results of the Rehabilitation Program.
Lucas Bertani tells us his story