Spinal Stroke: Brief Guide to Help With Treatment and Rehab
We are all aware that strokes can happen when the brain does not receive enough blood. A spinal stroke occurs in a manner similar to that when blood flow is disrupted, and the spinal cord does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients for any reason. Spinal cells suffer damage and die due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients.
It is difficult to back to normal after a Stroke. However, VR Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and VR Stroke Rehabilitation are the best ways to provide rehab therapies. It not only increases the independency but also the confidence of the patient with post Stroke.
More than 12.2 million people are suffering from Stroke; 1% are affected by Spinal Stroke. While 3.3 million people die of Stroke every year. Source: world-stroke.org
Therefore, understanding the crucial elements of this health condition and the treatment and rehabilitation programs becomes essential.
Spinal Stroke
An interruption in the blood supply to the spinal cord causes this health condition. The proper blood flow determines how well the spinal cord functions. The spine serves as a conduit for information traveling from the brain to various body parts. If there is a problem with the blood flow, the tissues may suffer harm or damage, and messages that generally travel along the spinal cord may be obstructed.
The spinal cord receives blood through an intricate network of blood vessels. The main blood vessels in the spinal cord are the anterior spinal artery, which is situated at the front of the spinal cord, and the posterior spinal artery, which is located at the back. The anterior spinal artery is the site of most spinal strokes. Spine strokes are a rare occurrence. They don't happen as often as strokes that affect the brain.
Causes of Spinal Stroke
As we discussed, blood clots or disturbed blood supply is the main reason for the disease. However, some other significant reasons contributing to the illness by troubling the blood flow are below.
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease or a family history of heart disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of exercise
All these elements increase the risk of blood vessels becoming damaged or dysfunctional by putting additional strain on the circulatory system.
Symptoms of Spinal Stroke
What parts of the spinal cord are affected and how much damage the spinal cord sustains determine the symptoms of this kind of Stroke. Signs often come on suddenly but can also start hours after a stroke.
- Sudden, excruciating back or neck pain
- Leg muscle sluggishness issues
- Bladder and bowels controlling issue
- Tingling feelings
- Paralysis
- Difficulties while speaking,
- Difficulties while speaking,
- Problem with vision
- Uncertainty dizziness
- Jolting headache
Treatment and Rehab for Spinal Stroke
Treatment
Because each patient's symptoms are distinct, the treatment will change depending on the patient. Additionally, every person has a different recovery process and experience.
If a blockage or ischaemic Stroke causes the stroke rehabilitation, the patient will be given medication to thin the blood and make it less sticky to lower the risk of blood clots. Taking an antiplatelet drug, which reduces platelets' stickiness and, as a result, lowers the risk of blood clot formation, is another option the doctor may suggest.
Patients with high blood pressure or high cholesterol may receive medication recommendations from their doctors. Due to the wide variety of blood pressure medications available, most people take more than one. Depending upon your condition and reports, the doctor may tailor the medication.
Rehab with Virtual Reality
Physical therapy is an essential aspect of treatment. For a set period, the patient works with the physical therapist on various exercises to improve their motor skills. The physical therapist recommends that the patient perform the activities at home for maximum effectiveness, but most patients lack the motivation and incentives to do so. Virtual reality is helpful in this situation.
Practicing movements or skills in a stimulating, safe environment using virtual reality is possible. The more activities made during therapy sessions thanks to virtual reality, the better the functional and general results should be. It also aids in the improvement of mobility. Also, the doctors can monitor the patient's activity and adjust as needed based on feedback.
Customization enables the patient to gain confidence and experience the situation in real-time. According to numerous studies, patients who received VR-based spinal cord rehabilitation progressed more quickly than those who received conventional physical therapy.
Virtual reality games improve patient outcomes for spinal cord injury or Stroke. Playing these games can enhance their ability to carry out tasks like throwing and catching. VR Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and VR Stroke rehabilitation programs are helping patients with spinal injuries and stroke problems.
Conclusion
It is never ideal for losing control and movement of limbs due to any health issue. However, taking back the command in your hand is essential. VR healthcare solution provider always better than cure; therefore, if you are facing any fundamental health issues such as blood pressure or diabetes, check yourself regularly. In unfortunate situations, if you suffer from Spinal Stroke, put your best effort into a rehab program to rejuvenate again.
