Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients

Stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to long-term disability and even death. It occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cells to die. There are three main types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke, which is caused by the blocking of brain blood vessels.
• Embolic stroke, which is caused by an embolus (a blood clot or other debris) that travels to the brain from another part of the body.
• Hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain.

Symptoms of Stroke

The symptoms of a stroke can include:

• Complete or partial loss of strength in the affected muscles
• Loss of sensation
• Numbness, burning, or tingling
• Speech disorders
• Heavy tongue
• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, call emergency service immediately.

Treatment of Stroke

Fortunately, stroke is not an incurable disease, and it is possible to make a full recovery after experiencing a stroke. The majority of patients with stroke benefit from physical therapy and rehabilitation, although some may recover more easily than others.

The severity of brain injury can impact the effectiveness of treatment, and there is no one-size-fits-all program for stroke rehabilitation. However, the goal of treatment is to help patients regain their independence and return to their normal lives as much as possible. It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible after a stroke.

Stroke recovery can be a challenging journey for both the person who has suffered a stroke and their loved ones. However, with proper care, support, and rehabilitation, many stroke survivors can regain their independence and quality of life.

Stroke Treatment requires daily routine for patients. You can review our daily plan for Stroke patiennts from this link.

Methods of Stroke Rehabilitation

Comprehensive inpatient physical therapy for stroke treatment can include a range of therapies, such as:

• Physiotherapy: exercises to prevent movement loss, enhance muscle strength, and improve balance in sitting, standing, and walking.
• Occupational therapy: specific exercises to accelerate the return to daily life activities.
• Robotic rehabilitation: the use of computer-supported robotic devices for rehabilitation exercises.
• Electric stimulation: applications to prevent muscle atrophy.
• Respiratory therapy: exercises to strengthen respiratory muscles and develop lung capacity.
• Swallow therapy: for those with swallowing difficulties.
• Speech therapy: for those with speech difficulties.
• Supportive device usage: such as orthoses for hand and foot to prevent joint stiffness and enable walking.

The development of cognitive abilities like problem-solving, counting, memory, reading, and writing is also crucial for successful rehabilitation after brain injury.

Robotic Rehabilitation

Robot-assisted therapy is an important aspect of stroke rehabilitation. It involves the use of computer-supported robotic devices, which can make exercises more meaningful and entertaining for patients. Robotic devices can help patients achieve the needed exercise density to develop arm and leg functions after stroke.

At our clinic, we offer several robotic rehabilitation systems, including:

• Walking Robot (Lokomat Pro with Free D)
• Robotic Bed Walking System (Erigo Pro)
• Hand-Arm Robot (Armeo Power with Manova)
• Anti-Gravity Treadmill Alter G
• Computerized Balance System

These systems integrate virtual and enhanced reality technologies, making exercises more meaningful and entertaining for patients. The use of these devices also helps to increase treatment motivation and provides patients with information about the degree of their movement success.

Stroke Rehabilitation Program

• Goal: The primary goal of stroke rehabilitation is to help the patient return to the highest possible level of function and independence while improving their overall quality of life – physically, emotionally, and socially.
• Therapies Involved: Stroke rehabilitation can involve a range of therapies, including 
• physical therapy or physiotherapy, 
• occupational therapy or ergotherapy,
• speech & swallowing rehabilitation,
• respiratory therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation,
• cognitive rehabilitation,
• recreational therapy.

In addition, robotic physical therapy or robotic rehabilitation is also used to support all these treatments. In robotic physical therapy, Walking Robot and Hand & Arm Robot are the main topics.

• Robotic Bed Erigo Pro is used to provide early walking,
• And Active Walking Robot Lokomat Pro is used to ensure continued walking
• Alter G Antigravity Treadmill and Biodex Computerized Balance Device can be used to improve walking and balance.
• For hand-arm functions, Hand & Arm Robot Armeo Power is used, which allows the patient to exercise by playing games integrated with virtual reality.
• Duration: The duration and intensity of the rehabilitation program can vary based on the severity of the stroke and the patient’s individual needs. It can range from a few weeks to several months. On average, the treatment process takes 2 – 4 months.
• Setting: Rehabilitation can take place in various settings, including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home-based settings.,

Comprehensive physical therapy rehabilitation, supported by general hospital conditions from the early period, contributes to the fastest recovery of the patient.

Things That Might Help Rehabilitation

Early Intervention: Starting rehabilitation as soon as possible after a stroke can lead to better outcomes.

Repetitive and Intensive Practice: Engaging in repetitive tasks and exercises can help retrain the brain and improve function.

Supportive Environment: A supportive environment, including family and friends, can play a crucial role in a patient’s recovery.

Use of Technology: Robotic physical therapy devices supported by virtual reality can accelerate the patient’s recovery process.

Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can aid in recovery and prevent future strokes.Medication: Some medications can help improve the outcomes of rehabilitation by reducing spasticity, pain, and other complications.

Where is stroke rehabilitation applied?

Stroke rehabilitation is typically carried out in a neurorehabilitation or robotic rehabilitation center under the guidance of an expert physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist.

Rehabilitation of stroke is a team effort, and the rehabilitation team is comprised of specialized health workers in the field of stroke rehabilitation, including:

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist doctor
• Physiotherapist
• Ergotherapist – Occupational Therapist
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Physical Therapy Technician
• Robotic Rehabilitation Technician
• Orthosis – Prosthesis Technician
• Dietician
• Speech-Swallowing Therapist

The physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist coordinates the rehabilitation team during stroke rehabilitation. The specialist doctor is responsible for planning and implementing rehabilitation programs, taking into consideration the needs of the patients and their families, and communicating with different health workers and departments. The doctor enables the best treatment service and plans for discharge, transfer to home or ambulatory treatment centers, and follow-up processes.