Are you at stroke risk: Symptoms, causes and path to effective rehabilitation

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel or a ruptured artery, leading to the death of brain cells due to oxygen deprivation. This neurological disorder can have profound consequences, including hemiplegia, difficulty speaking, depression and dementia.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Mahendra JV, HOD and Consultant – Department of Neurology at Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences in Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, shared, “The risk of stroke increases significantly with age, particularly after 55, and is exacerbated by conditions such as high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, coronary artery disease and high cholesterol.”
He revealed, “While we cannot alter factors like age and genetics, managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes, along with adopting a healthier lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Rehabilitation plays a critical role in recovery, with approaches like constraint-induced movement therapy, robotics, and fitness training showing promise in restoring motor functions.”
He highlighted, “Occupational therapy is vital for helping survivors regain the ability to perform daily tasks. Ongoing research into innovative therapies, including virtual reality, and drug augmentation, holds the potential to further enhance recovery outcomes. Understanding the causes and symptoms of stroke, as well as the importance of timely rehabilitation is the key to improving patient outcomes and reducing the global impact of this debilitating condition.”
Dr Khushbu Goel, Head and Consultant – Stroke Care Programme and Management and Neurology at Manipal Hospital in New Delhi’s Dwarka, echoed, “Stoke is a brain attack caused by a disruption in the blood supply, which prevents brain tissues from receiving enough oxygen and nutrients.” There are major 2 types of stroke- Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke –
Other factors associated with a higher risk of stroke include:
Age- People age 55 or older have a higher risk of stroke than younger people.
Sex- Men have a higher risk of stroke than women. Women are usually older when they have strokes, and they’re more likely to die of strokes than men.
Stroke rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals recover and regain independence following a stroke. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical, occupational, and speech therapies, aimed at restoring function and improving quality of life. Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening muscles, improving coordination and enhancing mobility through exercises and activities tailored to the patient’s specific needs. It also addresses cognitive and emotional challenges, helping patients relearn skills such as speaking, swallowing and daily activities.
Speech therapy focuses on helping patients who have difficulties with speaking or understanding language, addressing challenges in communication that may arise after a stroke. Physical therapy is centered on exercises designed to help patients regain movement and coordination skills that may have been affected by the stroke, promoting strength, balance and mobility.