Secondary complications post an acute stroke episode can have immense impact on recovery, rehabilitation and, most importantly, quality of life of the patient during and post rehabilitation. They can be quite frequent and studies have confirmed that as many as 60% of patients in their rehabilitation phase acquire them. Therefore, medical observation and inputs during the inpatient rehabilitation phase is very important for ensuring the recovery and rehabilitation of the patient post the acute phase.
Some complications can arise as a direct result of the injury the brain sustained during the stoke episode. Others can be caused due to the physical and neurological changes that can limit the previous physical and cognitive abilities of the patient. For example, persistent shoulder pain as a result of paralysis of an arm which can no longer support the shoulder.
Some common secondary complications are –
- Seizures
- Aphasia
- Brain edema
- Pneumonia
- Cognitive Impairment
- Urinary tract infection
- Bedsores
- Deep venous thrombosis
- Clinical Depression
Rehabilitation principles followed post the acute episode will dictate how the patient will come to cope with the changes and disabilities as well as prevent further complications. The end goal of rehabilitation process is to ensure that the patient recovers back as many abilities as possible and reintegrates with the society while leading an independent life.
Post Stroke Management and Rehabilitation
An ideal post-stroke management and rehabilitation strategy will include a combination of medical treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, swallowing and respiratory therapy and psychological treatment.
Medical Treatment – Involves medical supervision, monitoring and administration of medication.
Physical treatment – Physical therapy is given to a patient in order to help them with their motor weaknesses and gain back muscle strength and balance.
Occupational therapy – An Occupational therapist evaluates the goals of the patient and tailors specific therapies to help them meet those goals. It primarily concentrates on helping the patient relearn basic physical and cognitive skills essential for day to day life. The ultimate aim is to enable the patient to reintegrate with the society and lead as independent a life as possible.
Speech therapy – Speech therapy concentrates on communication disorders, cognition, voice disorders and swallowing disorders.
Cognitive and behaviour therapy – CBT includes counselling and also development of personal coping strategies targeting unhelpful patterns in cognitions, behaviours and emotional regulation.
Recovery and rehabilitation post an acute stroke episode can be a long process. The life for the patient after stroke may involve coping with new physical and cognitive disabilities. ApoKOS Rehabilitation Hospital adopts a holistic, patient- first approach that leverages advanced technologies and practices that provides the patient with effective post-stroke management strategies. The end goal of our rehabilitation process is to ensure that the patient receives the best chance possible to heal, recover and reintegrate with the society.