Healthy Lifestyle Radio Storytime

The recovery time and the need for long-term treatment vary greatly from case to case. Physical therapy may be beneficial for some people and should encourage the patient to perform a certain activity within physical limitations. It is necessary to seek alternative forms of communication such as pictures, verbal cues, demonstration or others, depending on the type and extent of language deficit. Speech therapy and occupational and other interventions may increase the capacity of people to perform.

For control of incontinence may be required urinary catheterization or programs for the control of the bladder or intestines.

Should be considered safe environment where the patient, as some stroke victims do not seem to be aware of their surroundings on the affected side. Others show indifference or lack of trial, which increases the need for safety precautions.

They may have to resort to adult day care, boarding schools, nursing homes or home care to provide a safe environment, control aggressive or agitated behavior, and meet physiologic needs.

Therapies behavior modification may be helpful for some people in controlling unacceptable or dangerous behaviors. This consists of rewarding appropriate or positive behaviors and ignoring inappropriate behaviors (within the bounds of safety). The reinforcement of environmental or other repetitive signals to assist in the reality orientation may help reduce disorientation.

Family counseling may help in coping with the changes required in home care. Visiting nurses or aides, volunteer services, adult protective services and other community resources can be very useful.

It may be advisable to seek legal advice in the early stages of the disorder. The living wills, power of attorney and other legal actions may make it easier to make ethical decisions regarding the care of the person with hemorrhagic stroke.
Expectations (prognosis)

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in developed countries. About a quarter of people who have a stroke die because of it or its complications, about half have long-term disabilities and about one-forth recover most or all function.

Hemorrhagic stroke is less common but often more deadly than ischemic stroke.
Complications

* Decubitus Ulcers
* Loss of movement or sensation permanently in a body part
* Joint contractures
* Muscle Spasticity
* Permanent loss of cognitive or other brain functions (dementia)
* Interruption of communication, decreased social interaction
* Decreased ability to function or care for yourself
* Shortened life
* Urinary tract infections and respiratory

Situations requiring medical assistance

Should go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 112 in Spain) if symptoms of stroke, since it is a “brain attack” and minutes can make a significant difference in disability and mortality rates.

Emergency symptoms include seizures or breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, sudden difficulties with movement or sensation, eating or swallowing difficulties, change or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, rapid onset of changes in speech and severe headache and sudden.

Call your doctor if the condition of a family member with stroke deteriorates to the point that the person can not be cared for at home.
Prevention

Most cases of hemorrhagic stroke are associated with specific risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking or using cocaine. The control of blood pressure and avoiding smoking and cocaine can reduce the chances of brain bleeding. Surgical correction of vascular abnormalities such as aneurysms or AVMs is sometimes advisable to prevent bleeding.