Disability Wellbeing Focus: Stroke
Q: What is a Stroke?
A: Blood supply to a part of the brain is disrupted, leading to brain injury.
There are 3 main types of stroke:
- The majority of strokes are Ischemic strokes.This type of stroke happens when blood flow through the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked.
- A Hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. The leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells, which damages them.
- A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) sometimes called a “mini-stroke”. It is different from the major types of stroke because blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short time, usually no more than 5 minutes.
Q: What are the symptoms of a Stroke?
- Face – the face may have dropped on 1 side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.
- Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm.
- Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
- Time – it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.
Q: What are the impairments following a stroke?
Q: How do you recover from a Stroke?
The recovery journey usually starts in a local clinic or hospital. Some people recover from a stroke quickly, some people will always need ongoing treatment to continually recover. The recovery journey can be long term and fit in towards an adapted lifestyle.
Q: What exercise based therapy treatments would a stroke survivor enrol onto?
There are many different opportunities and treatments for stroke survivors. The hardest part may be finding out where they are and working out if your movement ability is suitable for the activity.
Different Strokes Charity have devised a 5 – Level ability ladder which is described below:
LEVEL ONE
These sessions are designed for people who cannot move their affected arm or leg at all. The exercises will ALL be done whilst you are seated in your wheelchair and there is no standing involved in any exercise. Please note that is a requirement that a carer or family member is available to assist you during the class.
LEVEL TWO
These sessions are designed for people who can move their affected leg slightly but not fully. The exercises will MOSTLY be done whilst you are seated in your wheelchair. For the standing exercise, a walking frame or transfer assist device (rotunda/rota stand/return stand) will be required. Please note it is a requirement that a carer or family member is available to assist you during the class.
LEVEL THREE
These sessions are designed for people who can move their affected leg reasonably well but who may have restricted movement in their affected arm. The exercises are a mixture of seating and standing exercises. For the standing exercises, a sturdy upright chair should be available to assist with your balance. Please note it is a requirement that a carer or family member is available to supervise your standing exercises.
LEVEL FOUR
These sessions are designed for people who can walk independently with a stick or a trekking pole indoors and outdoors on even surfaces.
LEVEL FIVE
These sessions are designed for people who can walk independently without any walking aid and can cover a distance of at least ½ a mile.
What we offer at BPT
Our specialist exercise therapy programme for stroke survivors will enable you to become fitter, stronger and improve your daily functional skills.
You can join us for private (1-to-1) or semi-private (small group) sessions at our BPT Therapy Gym at Holton Park.
