Stroke is a medical condition in which the flow of blood towards the brain is poor and causes the death of certain cells. There are two common types of stroke: 

1. Ischemic- due to lack of blood flow
2. Hemorrhagic- due to bleeding

Signs and symptoms of stroke 

Problems with movement
Inability to feel  on one side of the body
Problems understanding or in speech
Vertigo
Loss of vision
Difficulty in carrying out everyday activities
Role of Physiotherapy for Patients with Stroke

The main focus of physiotherapy is to help you use your arms and legs to regain as much strength and movement as possible. 
If you have one-sided paralysis, correct positioning is important to prevent spasm or injury.
It helps you to sit up as this will help you avoid blood clots in your legs, improve your breathing and help you recover quickly.
If you are unable to move, you may be given chest physiotherapy to keep your lungs free of infection.
What does a Physiotherapist do?

A physiotherapist advises you on how you should be positioned when lying or sitting, and how often you need to be moved.
Motivates you to be actively involved in your physiotherapy sessions to help you relearn normal patterns of movement
Decides when you should begin to start walking and what equipment is needed to move or support you
Provides therapy to strengthen your limbs and teach you how to move again as independently as possible
Takes care of the fact that no complications should arise and you have a smooth recovery.
Treatment Techniques:

Strength Training: It is evident that strength training can improve upper-limb strength and function without increasing tone or pain in individuals with stroke.
Gaming: Goal orientated computer gaming has proven to significantly reduce upper limb impairment in stroke survivors.
Virtual Reality: Virtual reality training has been shown to be effective in restoring upper limb motor impairments and motor-related functional abilities.
Mirror Therapy: Mirror therapy has been shown to have a beneficial effect on motor control and function compared to conventional therapy.
Robot-Assisted Therapy: It has been shown to have a beneficial effect on motor recovery and function.
In the upper extremity with severe impairment and/or poor prognosis for recovery, Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA) of Arm and Hand < Stage 4) treatment should focus on maintaining a comfortable, pain-free, mobile arm and hand. Engage in repetitive and intense use of novel tasks that challenge the stroke survivor to acquire necessary motor skills to use the involved upper limb during functional tasks and activities. Engage in motor-learning training including the use of imagery.

Stroke - How Physiotherapy Can Help With It?

In our bodies, the vascular system is composed of vessels. This system is comprised of a complex network of veins and arteries. The arteries transport oxygenated blood away from the heart and spread it throughout our bodies and veins brings the deoxygenated blood (oxygen-poor) back to the heart for purification. Whenever this complicated process gets disturbed, pain, dysfunction of the system, and other complications may occur.

Most common complications among all are:
1. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: This condition is when there is a  bulge  formed in the weak area of the largest artery in the abdomen and keeps on increasing with each pressure flow of blood from that artery. This condition weakens the artery further and massive internal bleeding may occur.

2. Carotid Artery Disease - Stroke: This condition arises when the main blood vessels flowing blood to the brain develops a plague caused due to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). The continuous increase of plague can cause a stroke.

3. Peripheral Arterial Disease: This condition occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood is insufficient to the lower limbs of the body due to hardening of the arteries in that area. This can cause difficulty in walking, foot ulcers, infections and can even lead to amputation.

The complication of these types are corrected by the vascular surgeon with the process is commonly known as vascular surgery. However, this condition is sometimes medically managed by an innovative, less invasive procedure called Endovascular surgery. 

Vascular Surgery-
Vascular surgery is generally the traditional surgery that corrects the diseases outside of the heart and the brain. This procedure is more invasive as it involves incisions that are surgical in nature. Vascular surgery comprises of the surgery of the aorta, carotid arteries, and other small diametric arteries. This surgery also involves surgery of veins for treating various conditions such as varicose veins and May-Thurner syndrome.

Endovascular Surgery:
However, this type of surgery is an innovative way to treat medical conditions related to the vascular system. For instance, during the procedure of treating the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, it involves making a small cut near the hip area and inserting the endovascular graft through the arteries and is positioned inside the aorta, in a catheter, which is a flexible, long, and narrow tube. The endovascular graft is a tube device made up of special fiber and is framed within stainless steel self-expanding stents. The grafts expand and seal off the aneurysm. This stops the internal bleeding the system and the graft remain in the aorta permanently.

This method has a short recovery time, smaller incisions, less discomfort, less stress on the heart and has fewer risks. This surgery is appropriate for the patient who is at high
risk of complications. 

Take Away-
Diseases related to artery and veins are now being treated with various methods such as angiography, stenting, sclerotherapy in various countries. These days vascular surgeons have become proficient with the endovascular surgical methods. Endovascular surgery is durable and less painful and stressful when viewed with the context of vascular surgery. However, the cost of staying longer at the hospitals is somewhat got balanced by the high cost of imaging equipment and other high financial expenses in the endovascular surgery.

Endovascular VS Vascular Surgery - Know The Difference!

On an average a person consumes nearly 800 calories daily from added sugar. This does not just include natural sugar found in fruits or milk but the processed sweet sugar as well, that is added to cakes, tea, coffee, confectionery and even pasta sauce and salad dressing. However, it is possible that you can limit your sugar intake or even quit it to get some truly amazing benefits.

When you take this hard decision, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as mild depression, anxiety or restlessness. But if you remain adamant and continue with your decision, your body will soon show some incredible results that you couldn't have imagined.

Here are a few of them:

1.&nbsp;Your heart will beat happily

Sugar raises insulin levels that activate the responses of sympathetic nervous system thereby elevating your bp and heart rate. When you cut down on sugar, your ldl cholesterol will decrease by 10% and triglycerides will reduce by 20-30%. And your risk of heart attack will reduce manifold.

2.&nbsp;Your weight fluctuations will be gone

With the exception of fruits, sugar is mostly present in processed or high-carb foods that contain loads of other unwanted constituents like fat etc.

So when you quit sugar, your body has to no longer worry about those unwelcome calories and your weight will stop moving right and left across the scale.

3.&nbsp;Digestion will become efficient

When you quit sugar, the digestive system becomes more efficient. Since your stomach and intestines have to no longer worry about those difficult to digest processed foods, their abilities and functioning improves. Even your colon begins to work better, may be you take more trips to the restroom, so things get even more on track.

4.&nbsp;No more acne troubles

Sugar triggers acne troubles. When you cut it down, you will no longer be troubled by those zits that dampen your looks. Your skin will actually clear up, cracks will disappear and you will get a healthier skin.

5.&nbsp;You will no longer have sweet craving

With sugar, there is a huge negative, as you enjoy sweets, you crave for more sweets. But if you quit sugar, slowly you will begin to avoid foods that contain sugar and as a result, whenever you will eat anything that has sugar, it will taste over sweet and you will not be able to have large portions. This means no more cravings for sugar!

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on'consult.

5 Wonderful Things That Happen to Your Body When You Quit Sugar!

My child complains of Chest Pain. Should you be worried?

Chest pain is a common complaint among children. For a parent, it can be worrisome because there is a natural tendency to associate chest pain with the heart. The good news is, in more than 95% of cases, chest pain is non-cardiac in origin.

What signs will tell me that the pain may be related to the heart?

Chest pain that occurs in association with certain pointers needs a thorough evaluation. Some of the features that may suggest a heart-related condition include:

Associated breathing difficulty or dizziness
Chest pain that is brought on by exercise
When cardiac disorders run in the family or there have been sudden deaths at a young age in the family
A past medical condition like Kawasaki disease or connective tissue disorder
The following features suggest that a non-cardiac cause is likely:

If the pain follows direct trauma to the chest or is worsened on local pressure: the muscles or bones that form the chest wall are the likely origin of pain
Wheezing or fever and cough: a lung problem is likely
A burning pain beneath the breastbone, especially in relation to certain types of food: may be related to the digestive system
A stressful situation at school or home: a psychological cause of chest pain may be considered.
What can I expect at the doctor s visit?

If your child complains of chest pain, it is important to take him or her to the doctor. Your doctor will first take a detailed history and examine the child. ECG, a record of the electrical activity of the heart, gives an initial idea whether or not the pain may be related to the heart. Other tests that may be ordered include a chest XRay, a  heart-scan  (echocardiogram), a stress test, or further tests based on the findings on evaluation.

Chest Pain In Children - Should You Be Worried?

Ways to identify and treat Angina pain

Angina or angina pectoris is the pain, discomfort or tightness in the chest that occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle cells is not enough to meet its energy needs. It is not a disease itself but rather a symptom of the coronary heart disease.

What are the different types of angina?

1. Stable angina: It is the commonest form of angina. It can be triggered by stress or physical activity and usually only lasts a few minutes.

2. Unstable angina: It happens when you're resting or aren't very active. The pain is strong and long lasting, and may keep recurring. It may be a signal of an impending heart attack.

3. Variant angina: This might take place when you're asleep or at rest. This sudden tightening or narrowing of the heart's arteries causes a lot of pain.

How u know what your are experiencing is an angina pain?

You might be having angina pain if you suffer from one or more of these symptoms:

- Chest pain
- Heartburn
- Breathlessness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Pain in your arm, neck, jaw and back
- Numbness or loss of feeling in your arms, shoulders or wrists

Immediate Relief from Angina

If previously advised by a certified doctor, patients can take antiplatelet medicines which are blood thinners and prevent unstable angina. Final treatments include angioplasty (repair of a blocked blood vessel through surgery), insertion of a coronary artery stent (a tube that is used to treat weakened arteries) or a heart bypass surgery for serious complications.



Ways to Identify and Treat ANGINA PAIN?

There are two primary factors that are more likely to cause a stroke in a person i.e age and a family history. While both are inevitable, this necessarily doesn t have to be the fate of a person. Brain stroke is entirely preventable as with the case of other diseases. By working on the potential health risk factors, a stroke can be prevented. Here is a list of few such steps which, when followed can pay rich dividends to a person facing the risk of a brain stroke:

Blood Pressure: Blood pressure is the single most important factor that can increase the chance of a brain stroke. If a perfect blood pressure reading seems too difficult to achieve, a more realistic blood pressure target of 140/190 should be aimed for. Some of the common steps in order to achieve an acceptable blood pressure figure include reducing salt in the diet, exercising on a daily basis, regular intake of fresh fruits & vegetables and fast processed food containing processed fats. Finally, quitting drinking and smoking goes a long way in ensuring that a person is safe from strokes.

Losing Weight: Obesity increases the risk of diabetes and blood pressure subsequently increasing the risk of a stroke. Being overweight, therefore greatly increases the odds of a stroke. A BMI of 25 should be maintained by engaging in activities such as walking, running and playing on a daily basis.

Regular Exercise: Exercise is a clear mandate for people facing an increased risk of brain strokes. A moderate intensity exercise schedule for a minimum of 5 days per week is necessary. Some simple steps in order to achieve this include taking the stairs while climbing, joining a fitness club, 30 minutes of daily walk in a day etc.

Moderate Drink: Surprising as it may sound, moderate drinking on a daily basis can dramatically reduce the risk of a brain stroke. Red wine should be the choice of preference in this case. It should be ensured that the level of drinking does not surpass more than a glass. Regular drinking in excessive quantity can increase the chance of brain stroke.

Check For Atrial Fibrillation: This is a disease that is related to the heart due to an irregular heartbeat. There is a possibility of the clots travelling to the brain causing a brain stroke. Certain possible symptoms of this disease such as palpitation of heart and shortness of breath should be checked with a doctor to negate the chance of brain stroke. Certain blood thinners like warfarin and aspirin can shield against atrial fibrillation. A doctor has to be consulted before starting any medication related to the heart.

Top Ways To Prevent A Brain Stroke

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