Strokes can be treated and often prevented. At the moment, no treatment can cure a stroke, and most people will have some form of residual damage, which will vary from person to person. Residual damage can range from a slight limp to paralysis on one side of the body. As today, prevention still is the key to avoid further damage and subsequent strokes.

Rehabilitation programs
Starting a rehabilitation program as soon as possible after a stroke increases the chances of recovering some of the lost abilities.The goals of rehabilitation are to help survivors become as independent as possible and to attain the best possible quality of life. Even though rehabilitation does not “cure” stroke in that it does not reverse brain damage, rehabilitation can substantially help people achieve the best possible long-term outcome.

Exercises and techniques
Motor recovery after a stroke depends upon many upon different modalities. Intensive therapy using compensatory and facilitator techniques is the primary method to improve movement and function in affected extremities. Many different methods currently are used to facilitate movement in affected extremities and to teach compensatory techniques. Some theories involve the facilitation of mass movements. Other theories involve the facilitation of isolated movement. Motor learning theory stresses structured practice of goal-oriented tasks with specific feedback patterns for successful transfer and retention of a new skill. New theories such as constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) state that the restrained used of the unaffected limb forces the mobilization and exercising of the affected limb. When compared, no one method taken alone appears to be more effective than another. They must be combined to an overall rehabilitation program and strictly monitored by professionals able to adapt the method to the patient’s state.

Medication
Pharmacological interventions in conjunction with physical modalities may have a role in motor recovery, especially as regards spasticity. New treatments are being used with more success and fewer side effects; one of them is Botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox. It allows doctors to target specific spastic muscles rather than use a medicine that affects the whole body. Repeated treatments of Botox over one year is well tolerated and results in a significant decrease in spasticity, pain frequency and average pain intensity in upper limbs following stroke, according to research from a neurologist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Yet, it is important to note that Botox will not restore function of any limb affected by the stroke. What the treatment will do is provide increased comfort due to reducing pain from spasm and allow for improved ease in doing some daily activities.
Another new treatment is now available for stroke survivors which clinical effects have been documented and published: NeuroAid™. It is a medicine supporting faster and better independence recovery. NeuroAid™ supports the neurological functions and helps achieve faster motricity, sensory and cognitive rehabilitation. It is made natural ingredients, is safe and clinically proven and has been taken by patients over 20 countries.

To achieve faster recovery, it is always recommended to combine medication with intense rehabilitation exercises as soon as possible. Please note that the only persons that can advise you on the best suited treatment for you are your personal therapists. Do not hesitate to ask them questions about the different treatments and new opportunities for stroke survivors.

Sources:
Rehabilitation of the stroke patient. Browne BJ (2005).
Healthwise, Incorporated
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
sarasotaneurology.com
neuroaid.com