A Stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. There are many problems that may happen after a stroke. Most are common and will improve with time and rehabilitation.
Common symptoms post stroke can include:
- Weakness, paralysis, and problems with balance or coordination.
- Pain, numbness, or burning and tingling sensations.
- Fatigue, which may continue after you return home.
- Paralysis of one side of the body.
- Urinary or bowel incontinence.
- Speech problems or difficulty understanding speech, reading, or writing.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Memory problems, poor attention span, or difficulty solving problems.
- Visual problems.
- Depression, anxiety, or mood swings with emotional outbursts.
- Difficulty recognizing limitations caused by the stroke.
- A sudden severe headache.
Recognising the signs of a Stroke are important and can vary from person to person, but they usually develop suddenly. The main symptoms can be remembered using the word FAST.
- FACE – Has the face dropped on one side. Is there a difficulty in smiling or has the mouth or eye drooped.
- ARMS – Can the person lift both arms out straight in front of them or is there weakness or numbness in one arm.
- SPEECH – Is the persons speech slurred or difficult to understand, are they also having difficulty understanding what is being said.
- TIME – A Stroke is an emergency is timely treatment is vital so DON’T DELAY dial 999.
Stoke and Foot Drop:
Foot drop can be a common condition caused by a Stroke. Foot drop refers to the inability to lift the front part of the foot off the ground by contracting the muscles in your shin (Dorsiflexors). Foot drop can make walking difficult and increase your risk of falls or injury. People with foot drop may lift the knee higher or swing the leg round to avoid catching the toes when walking. This results in a very energy inefficient gait and can increase your risk of secondary complications such as knee, hip and back pain.
Check out our blog on the different types of foot drop splints HERE
Stroke and Shoulder Subluxation:
Shoulder subluxation can be a common side affect of a Stoke due to weakness down one side of the body. Shoulder subluxation refers to a partial dislocation of the shoulder joint. The humeral head slips of out the glenoid cavity as a result of weakness in the rotator cuff. Shoulder subluxation can occur due to many reasons, including stroke, hemiplegia, peripheral nerve injury, brachial plexus injury and many more. Symptoms can manifest as pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, paralysis of the arm, and numbness and/or tingling (also known as paraesthesia) of the arm.
Check out or blog on the different types of shoulder braces available HERE
If you have any questions please contact a member of the team using our online enquiries form or by emailing enquires@totalbodyorthotics.com
