A stroke causes the blood flow to a part of the brain to be reduced or interrupted, preventing the brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients, thus causing brain cells to die. Causes of stroke include obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, drug use, smoking. Early diagnosis is important to reduce the effects of stroke. In order to reduce the permanent effects, it is necessary to start rehabilitation quickly at the end of the treatment process.
KNOWING SYMPTOMS SAVE LIVES
Stating that symptoms such as sudden speech disorder, visual impairment, double vision, sudden balance and gait disturbance, and severe headache are seen, the emergency service should be called quickly. Türkan Tünerir drew attention to the importance of early intervention after a stroke. Dr. Tünerir said, “In the stroke center of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, in such cases, the patient can be treated first, before paralysis develops after stroke. However, if it is delayed, it can cause permanent problems. Unfortunately, stroke is one of the diseases that cause the most disability in society.
IT IS NECESSARY TO START THE REHABILITATION PROCESS FAST AFTER TREATMENT
Emphasizing that after stroke treatment, the rehabilitation process should begin quickly, Dr. Tünerir said, “The main purpose of stroke rehabilitation is to help relearn skills that have been lost due to partial brain damage after stroke. Post-stroke physical therapy helps to regain independence of movement and improve quality of life. Stating that in-bed exercises should be started as soon as possible in early rehabilitation in order to prevent joint movement restrictions, Dr. Tünerir said, “In-bed exercises, opening the joints, stretching, muscle strengthening exercises are done. Afterwards, this process continues with special rehabilitation techniques. The purpose of physical therapy; It is to enable the stroke patient to learn motor activities such as sitting, standing, lying down and switching from one movement to another, walking. Besides these; It is also among the goals of this treatment to enable the paralyzed patient to do daily activities such as eating, drinking, swallowing, dressing, bathing, cooking, reading, writing and using the toilet.
TIME AND PATIENCE ARE IMPORTANT FOR TREATMENT
Tünerir stated that the rehabilitation of paralyzed patients was carried out by using innovative methods in addition to physical therapy applications in Physiomer Therapy and continued his words as follows:
“In stroke rehabilitation, muscle strength is increased by stimulating nerves and muscles with electrical stimulation. Balance disorders are corrected with balance device and virtual reality rehabilitation and interactive games. The patient is strengthened both in balance, motor functions and cognitive aspects. Walking training continues with the active walking robot. In addition, hydrotherapy, muscle strengthening and coordination exercises in the pool are added. Special rehabilitations are added to these areas for patients who cannot speak or swallow due to stroke. Speech therapy helps stroke patients learn language and speech skills or other forms of communication. With time and patience, a person who has had a stroke can regain their language and speech abilities. In addition, the psychological state of the patient is improved by providing psychological support in physical therapy.