Paralysis Guide

The type of stroke you have affects your treatment and recovery. The three main types of stroke are: Ischemic Stroke Most strokes (87%) are ischemic strokes.1 An ischemic stroke happens when blood flow through the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked. Blood clots often cause the blockages that lead to ischemic strokes. Hemorrhagic Stroke 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. High blood pressure and aneurysms—balloon-like bulges in an artery that can stretch and burst—are examples of conditions that can cause a hemorrhagic stroke. There are two types of hemorrhagic strokes: Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke. It occurs when an artery in the brain bursts, flooding the surrounding tissue with blood. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a less common type of hemorrhagic stroke. It refers to bleeding in the area b...

 When something happens to the blood flow in the central nervous system, a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) or stroke occurs. A CVA most often occurs in the brain but, very rarely, it can also occur in the spinal cord. A stroke occurs when there is a change to blood flow in the central nervous system (CNS) due to damage to a blood vessel, rupture to the blood vessel or something stopping blood flow like a clot or emboli (globule of fat or other material or bubble of air.) Slowing of blood flow in the CNS can also lead to a stroke. There are many problems that may happen after a stroke. Most are common and will improve with time and rehabilitation. Paralysis after stroke is a common physical conditions, and also include: Weakness, and problems with balance or coordination. Pain, numbness, or burning and tingling sensations. Fatigue, which may continue after you return home. Inattention to one side of the body, also known as neglect; in extreme cases, you may not be aware of your ar...

Stroke and Paralysis are very often heard together. Very often Stroke may lead to Paralysis; often on one side of the body. Paralysis of either side result in problems with co-ordination and balance. Paralysis treatment often needs a multi-disciplinary approach involving sustained physiotherapy exercises for paralysis before paralysis patient begins to get independent. Stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. While, Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move some or all of the body. Paralysis is identified in common language as paralysis of left side of body or paralysis of right side. Medically, it is named by part of the body affected as following types: Monoplegia, which affects only one arm or leg. Hemiplegia, which affects one arm and one leg on the same side of your body. Diplegia, which affects the same area on both sides of the body such as both legs or arms. Paraplegia, which affects both of you...

Exercise varies depending on your level of injury, but everyone can benefit from some form of physical activity. Creating a fitness program is good for the mind and the body, but always check with your doctor before starting or modifying any exercise regime. Individuals living with paralysis who exercise have: Improved breathing ability Greater muscle strength and stamina Improved circulation Decreased body fat More normal levels of fats (lipids) in the blood Improved self-esteem Enhanced immune system function Decreased risk of diabetes Physical activity has been shown to help prevent some secondary conditions related to spinal cord injury, such as urinary tract infections, pressure sores, respiratory infections and constipation. People living with spinal cord injury who are more active have fewer of these complications than those who are less active. If you feel unsure about your chances of recovery from post-stroke paralysis, these exercises will empower you to actively do somethin...

 The days, weeks and months after your spinal cord injury (SCI) are the most difficult. You may be dealing with physical pain, the loss of abilities, as well as the mental and emotional tolls that this type of injury can take as you struggle to make sense of what has happened to you. You may feel like you are losing important parts of your life and freedom if you’ve become paralyzed. You also may feel a swirl of feelings and emotions you can’t quite put into words:  Anger because the situation that was beyond your control. You were obeying the law when the other driver ran a red light and hit you. Helplessness or uselessness because your injury has left you paralyzed or with a loss of sensory or motor functions. Frustration or depression because you are no longer as independent as you were before the accident; and perhaps because you can’t adequately express what you’re going through to family and friends. Hurt or feelings of emotional loss because your relationship with your ...

The period of time following a spinal cord injury that results in paralysis can be a very traumatic and confusing time. While counselors will play a part in helping the survivor reach acceptance, it’s important that the survivor and family work together to ensure the future health and quality of life for the survivor. Learning that you are paralyzed is devastating and overwhelming news. The best way to combat your feelings of helplessness and confusion is to arm yourself with information on what a spinal cord injury is, and what it means in terms of short-term planning and long-range goals. Coping With Being  Paralyzed During the acute phase, the survivor should: Ask questions about what has happened or what is happening. Accumulate as much knowledge as possible regarding his or her situation. Do the task he or she can do independently, and accept help for those he or she can’t do. Gather financial, insurance, and employment paperwork. Once the survivor has moved out of the acute p...