Stroke Stroke is one of the major causes of death and disability in Australia today. Physiotherapists have a key role in the rehabilitation of people who have had a stroke, helping them return to the highest possible level of physical function. What is Stroke? The brain is supplied by several major blood vessels. These vessels may become blocked, or less commonly haemorrhage, which results in an area of damaged brain tissue. This kind of 'brain attack' is called a stroke. Problems Caused by Stroke? These vary, depending on the area of the brain affected and how severely it is damaged. Some common problems include: reduced control of movement and/or loss of feeling in some parts of the body, usually on the opposite side to the stroke difficulty walking disturbance of balance vision problems problems with speaking and/or understanding speech confusion, poor memory reduced control over bladder or bowel difficulty swallowing reduced control over emotions Major Risk Factors One or a combination of the following factors may increase the risk of stroke: high blood pressure hardening and narrowing of the arteries (this occurs over long periods of time, due to a build up of fatty deposits inside the artery) heart disease high cholesterol diet stress smoking obesity Warning Signs Sometimes, one or more of the problems previously described as caused by stroke may occur for a short period, then disappear. This is called a transient ischaemic attack. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately. Reducing the Risk You can reduce the risk of stroke by: regular medical checkups taking prescribed tablets as directed by your doctor giving up smoking keeping weight within average for height and age eating a well balanced diet regular exercise How Physiotherapists Can Help Physiotherapists are specially trained to assess movement difficulties that may occur as a result of a stroke. By re-educating normal movement, the physiotherapist can retrain functions such as walking and using the affected arm. Physiotherapists are trained in rehabilitation and work as an important member of the rehabilitation team. Physiotherapy rehabilitation may include training in the following activities. A. Standing Up From Sitting B. Walking Re-Education C. Arm Re-Education Early Intervention Early treatment by a physiotherapist assists recovery. Although most recovery usually occurs in the first three months after a stroke, improvement in function may continue for several years. Ongoing physiotherapy maximises the level of recovery achieved. Treatment Options Most people who have had strokes are initially treated in acute and rehabilitation hospitals. At a later stage, physiotherapy may be provided through a day hospital. Physiotherapists skilled in treating stroke patients also work in private practice and may treat patients in their homes. Each branch of the Australian Physiotherapy Association has a list of these physiotherapists. Health Rebates A doctor's referral is not required to see a physiotherapist in private practice. A proportion of treatment costs are rebatable under all higher table health insurance schemes. © By courtesy of the Australian Physiotherapy Association