Insist on the
Best Rehabilitation for Maximum Stroke Recovery
Although stroke
is now the third largest cause of death in the United States, many people still
do not know what a stroke is, its warning signs, and treatments for recovery.
Simply defined,
stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease affecting the arteries leading to
and within the brain. When a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the
brain is blocked by a clot or bursts, a stroke occurs. As this happens, part of
the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs. So, it starts to die.
While a stroke
can happen quickly, it is still important to understand a stroke’s warning
signs to get medical help immediately. Every second counts, as time lost is
brain lost.
Stroke warning
signs include:
• Sudden
numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of body
• Sudden
confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
•
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
•
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
•
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
A stroke
patient’s greatest gains are made in the first 30 days following the stroke.
Studies indicate that 60 percent of stroke survivors can benefit from
aggressive rehabilitation intervention with 80 percent of those treated through
rehabilitation services returning to their homes, work, schools or active
retirement.
While the
physical challenges that result from a stroke can be overwhelming, exciting new
research is breaking through the barrier.
Advanced
technologies for patient-centered treatments now available at HealthSouth
Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of
Southern Arizona include the AutoAmbulator™.
Designed by HealthSouth, the AutoAmbulator is a sophisticated treadmill device
using the therapeutic concept of body weight-supported ambulation and robotics
to help patients with gait disorders. This improves stride and balance to help
stroke patients gain confidence in walking again.
Also, many
stroke patients develop dysphagia, making it difficult or impossible to
swallow. Using the electrical
stimulation of VitalStim® therapy at
HealthSouth, these patients can greatly increase their swallow function.
Bioness® also offers state-of-the-art technology
for maximized therapy. Patients benefit from its NESS H200®, electrically stimulating thumb and finger movements for
extraordinary
results. Ergonomic and sleek in design, the NESS H200 surrounds a patient’s
hand and forearm for proper limb positions. Five surface electrodes integrated
into the system stimulate and activate the hand to facilitate neuromuscular
re-education.
Therapeutic
treatment programs and functional modes are pre-programmed, providing the
clinician and the patient control over the desired hand activation. Once the
NESS H200 is fitted on a patient, movement can begin immediately, offering an
encouraging experience for renewed hope.
Using the NESS
H200, patients can practice grasping and releasing objects, while also
performing activities of daily living. With consistent treatment, patients can
regain range of motion, while further reducing spasticity.
The Bioness NESS L300™ is another advanced
system offering a mild, wireless electric stimulation to
lift the foot, making it safer and easier to walk. When used by a patient, the
NESS L300 makes it easier to walk on flat ground, up and down stairs, and on
uneven surfaces. This lightweight device fits just below the knee and can be
put on and taken off with one hand. Use of the NESS L300 may eliminate a
patient’s need to wear a rigid, heavy orthosis.
When it comes
to stroke, know the warning signs and take immediate action. Better yet, learn
more about preventative measures you can take before one happens. For more
information, call HealthSouth Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson at 520-325-1300 or HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern Arizona at 520-742-2800.
Sources: National Rehabilitation Centers, American
Stroke Association
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