stroke paralysis

what is stroke paralysis?

Paralysis is one of the most common disabilities resulting from a stroke, where muscles or groups of muscles lose the ability to move. This occurs because the brain, which controls muscle movement, can no longer send the necessary signals.

Stroke-induced paralysis happens when a part of the brain stops functioning due to an interruption in blood flow, a medical emergency commonly referred to as a stroke. Typically, paralysis affects the side of the body opposite the brain’s damaged area, and any part of the body can be impacted. 

In 90% of stroke cases, some degree of paralysis occurs. However, with the right combination of  physiotherapy, medication, and targeted recovery exercises, it’s possible to regain movement and recover from stroke-induced paralysis.

causes of stroke paralysis

Here are the three common types of strokes that can lead to stroke paralysis:

1. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often referred to as a “mini-stroke” or warning stroke, a TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted. Because this blockage is temporary, the symptoms and effects usually last for a short time.
2. Ischemic Stroke: This type of stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain. The clot often forms due to a buildup of fatty deposits inside a blood vessel, a condition known as atherosclerosis. If the clot travels from another part of the body, often due to an irregular heartbeat, it can lead to an embolic stroke. Unlike a TIA, an ischemic stroke requires immediate medical treatment to restore blood flow and prevent further damage.
3. Hemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing blood to leak into surrounding brain tissue. Hemorrhagic strokes are further categorized as:
   • Aneurysm: A weakened section of a blood vessel balloons out and can sometimes rupture, leading to a stroke.
   • Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): Abnormally formed blood vessels may rupture and cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
   • Intracerebral Hemorrhage: High blood pressure can weaken small blood vessels, leading to bleeding within the brain.

symptoms of stroke paralysis

It’s crucial to be vigilant for the following signs and symptoms in yourself or others, as early detection can lead to more effective stroke paralysis treatment:

1. Severe Headache: A sudden, intense headache accompanied by dizziness, vomiting, or brief episodes of unconsciousness may signal an impending stroke, which could result in paralysis.
2. Speech Difficulties: Stroke paralysis can begin with confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding instructions, indicating trouble with communication.
3. Numbness in Body Parts: Weakness or numbness in the arms, legs, or face—especially on one side of the body—can be a key indicator of stroke paralysis. This may manifest as difficulty in moving, speaking, or even smiling.

prevention of stroke paralysis

In addition to focusing on treating stroke paralysis, it’s equally important to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. Preventing a stroke, which can lead to paralysis, involves the following actions:

• Understand your risk factors for stroke
• Adhere strictly to your doctor’s recommendations
• Embrace a healthy and active lifestyle
• Manage your blood pressure effectively
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce cholesterol intake in your diet

how can physiotherapy help after a stroke?

Physiotherapists often collaborate with a team of other professionals to address the various challenges that can arise after a stroke. This multidisciplinary team, often referred to as the stroke team, may include occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, doctors, nurses, and social workers.

Some physiotherapists specialize in treating conditions related to brain changes, such as stroke and neurological disorders like brain injuries. These specialists are known as neuro physiotherapists or neurological physiotherapists.

Neuroplasticity and Recovery

After a stroke, the brain cannot regenerate the damaged cells, but it can reorganize its remaining healthy cells to compensate for the loss. This ability is known as neuroplasticity. The rehabilitation you undergo after a stroke plays a crucial role in guiding this process, and your physiotherapist will provide expert guidance on how to relearn movements and restore function.

how long does stroke paralysis last?

It’s natural to be concerned about how long paralysis might last after a stroke, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Just as each stroke is unique, so too is every stroke paralysis recovery, which can vary significantly from person to person.

The duration of recovery depends on the type of stroke treatment provided and how well the patient responds to it. Two key factors influence this: the severity of the stroke’s effects and the patient’s dedication to the recovery process.

With appropriate stroke rehabilitation, some patients may notice improvements within six months, while others may require more time. The most important thing is to stay focused and consistently engage in the recommended mental and physical exercises for stroke-induced paralysis.

when do you need us?

Physiotherapy from experienced professionals plays a vital role in treating stroke paralysis. Regular physiotherapy sessions can help patients regain mobility by improving muscle tone and facilitating movement.

When paralysis occurs after a stroke, it’s crucial to get the person moving as soon as possible. The right exercises, performed under the guidance of our expert physiotherapists, can strengthen muscles and prove invaluable in recovery.

Since we offer in-home physiotherapy for stroke patients, our supervision ensures that exercises are performed correctly, reducing the risk of complications.

how can we help?

Our physiotherapists will be able to suggest the best treatment for stroke paralysis after carefully analyzing your medical history. Your stroke paralysis treatment will be completely customized to ensure quick recovery from stroke after-effects with the best course of action for you.

Through physiotherapy, our expert team will curate a systematic plan that will help in improving blood flow and work towards strengthening the muscles of a specific body part. We will play a key role in diagnosing your condition and suggest the right path towards quick and long-lasting recovery from stroke paralysis.

Summary: Stroke Paralysis is a condition that can be overcome and you can recover from the same through focussed efforts. Now that you know how to tackle this difficult yet conquerable problem, the road to recovery from stroke paralysis can be challenged with confidence and assuredness.

Content is medically reviewed by:

Shruti Bangera, Masters In Neurological Physiotherapy, Senior Physiotherapist & SME, Portea

Meet Our Physiotherapists for Strock Paralysis

Dr.L Swarna Harini-MPT/BPT – 6 years Experience

Dr. Hari Prasad M – MPT – 4 years Experience.

Dr.Neha Suhas Kulkarni – MPT- 4.5 years Experiences

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faq’s

What is the best exercise after a stroke?

You can engage in activities like walking, running, swimming, or cycling on your own or with a partner. Utilizing a swimming pool can also help build strength and stamina by performing squats and walking through the water.

What can I do at home to support my physiotherapy?

Your physiotherapist will provide exercises and activities you can do at home to complement your therapy sessions and enhance recovery.

Can physiotherapy help prevent future strokes?

Physiotherapy can help improve overall physical health, which may reduce the risk factors for future strokes, but it should be combined with other preventive measures like medication and lifestyle changes.

Can physiotherapy help with speech and swallowing issues after a stroke?

While physiotherapy focuses on movement, speech and language therapists are involved in treating speech and swallowing problems. However, both therapies are part of a multidisciplinary approach.

How long does physiotherapy last after a stroke? 

The duration varies depending on the severity of the stroke and individual recovery rates. Some patients may need therapy for months or even years.