STROKE

INTRODUCTION:

Stroke can occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked or there is sudden bleeding in the brain. The rupture or blockage prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the brain’s tissues. It is a medical emergency. It can cause brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Sometimes it is also called as a brain attack.

CAUSES AND ITS TYPES:

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) 

Involves a blood clot that typically reverses on its own.

Ischemic stroke 

Involves a blockage caused by either a clot or plaque in the artery. The symptoms and complications of ischemic stroke can last longer than those of a TIA, or may become permanent.

Hemorrhagic stroke 

Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by either a burst or leaking blood vessel that seeps into the brain.

RISK FACTORS:

Lifestyle risk factors

• Being overweight or obese.
• Physical inactivity.
• Heavy or binge drinking.
• Use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

Medical risk factors

• High blood pressure.
• Cigarette smoking or secondhand smoke exposure.
• High serum cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Obstructive sleep apnea.
• Cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, heart defects, heart infection or irregular heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation.
• Personal or family history of stroke, heart attack or transient ischemic attack.
• COVID-19 infection.

Other factors associated with a higher risk of stroke include:

• Age — People of age 55 or older have a higher risk of stroke than do younger people.
• Sex — Men have a higher risk of stroke than do women.
• Hormones — Taking birth control pills or hormone therapies that include estrogen can increase the risk.

SYMPTOMS:

• Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying – confused, slur words or may not be able to understand speech.
• Numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg – This often affects just one side of the body. The person can try to raise both arms over the head. If one arm begins to fall, it may be a sign of a stroke. Also, one side of the mouth may droop when trying to smile.
• Problems seeing in one or both eyes – The person may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or either eyes or the person may see double.
• Headache – Vomiting, dizziness and a change in consciousness may occur with the headache.
• Trouble walking – the person may stumble or lose balance or coordination.
• Pain – Pain, numbness or other feelings may occur in the parts of the body affected by stroke.

NATUROPATHY AND YOGA TREATMENTS:

Need for Holistic interventions – The life of a patient changes markedly after stroke. They significantly depend on the caregivers for their daily needs due to the post-stroke disabilities. “Post-stroke patients may opt for Complementary and Alternative Medicine therapies to get relief from various physical symptoms like immobility or pain as well as relief from psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, or grief. This implicates the need for holistic therapies as well as yoga-based lifestyle.

• Sukshma vyayama: Loosening exercises

• Yogasanas: Uttanapadasana, pavanamuktasana, shavasana, bhujangasana, vajrasana, vakrasana/ardhamatsyendrasana, ushtrasana, katichakrasana, tadasana,
• Pranayama: Nadishuddi, sheetali, bhramari.
• Meditation: Breath awareness, Om meditation or guided meditation focusing on the affected part.
• Yogic diet (Mitahara): Alkaline foods with less oil, salt and spice.

Note: Since practising Yogasanas will be a difficult task for a paralytic patient, assistive, modified movements will be of help.

Acupuncture:

“Research studies have shown that acupuncture improves issues with spasticity, pain, physical functions, cognitive functions, and quality of life if administered after a stroke. The therapy works by stimulating the nervous system, which releases good chemicals into the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. This stimulates the natural healing ability of the body and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

Massage therapy:

Massage therapy can manipulate the tissues in the body and it improves mood, daily function, pain, and sleeping patterns in stroke survivors. Researchers have also pointed out that certain massages can aid in improving fine motor skills in stroke patients.

Herbal supplements:

• Ashwagandha – ½ teaspoon twice a day
• Gotu kola – 100 mg daily
• Bilberry – 100 to 150 mg daily
• Turmeric – 200 mg daily

Hydrotherapy:

When hydrotherapy is combined with specific exercises, it serves as an excellent way to regain physical skills without putting too much stress on the body.

Dietary management:

High-fat foods can lead to the build-up of fatty plaques in the arteries and being overweight can lead to high blood pressure. A low-fat, high-fibre diet is recommended, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables like green leafy vegetables and whole grains. Avoid food containing saturated fats because these will increase the cholesterol levels. The foods high in saturated fats are:

• Butter
• Ghee
• Cheese
• Cakes and biscuits
• Foods that contain palm oil

Preventive measures:

• Control high blood pressure
• Lower the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in the diet
• Quit tobacco use
• Manage diabetes – Diet, exercise and losing weight can help to keep blood sugar in a healthy range.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables – olive oil, fruits, nuts, vegetables and whole grains
• Exercise regularly