A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain. Most strokes occur due to a sudden blockage of arteries, known as an ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes result from bleeding into the brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts. Swift medical attention is crucial for both types, underscoring the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate intervention to minimize potential brain damage. Ischemic strokes, arising from artery blockage, are more prevalent than hemorrhagic strokes caused by blood vessel rupture. Understanding these distinctions is vital for prompt and effective medical response to mitigate the impact of a stroke on brain health. Timely intervention significantly influences recovery outcomes and reduces the risk of long-term disability, emphasizing the urgency of public awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance.
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine and ayurvedic treatments for stroke can help restore lost functionalities. Pakshaghatha or hemiparesis has been well described in classical context of Ayurveda along with specific treatments mentioned. In brief it consists of a sequence of interventions meant to achieve the pitta control, followed by treatments to detoxify accumulated ama and finally calm vata with nourishing treatments to support regeneration of depleted tissues.
Recovery of damaged brain tissue
Regaining muscle strength
Strengthening the mental abilities
Managing abnormal sensations
Snehana ( medicated oil application)
Pinda swedana ( fomentation)
Nasyam ( nasal drops instillations)
Vasthi ( special type of enema therapy)
Ischemic strokes, constituting 80% of cases, result from blood vessel occlusion, leading to insufficient blood supply and cell death in the brain. Stroke rehabilitation begins by identifying individual patient needs and tailoring treatment strategies accordingly. The approach, whether prioritizing compensatory or remedial movements, depends on the specific area affected by the infarct. Two major goals of stroke rehabilitation would be to minimize impairments and to maximize function. An outline of evidence based interventions to achieve these goals are given below.
Adding yoga to stroke rehabilitation therapy improves the speed and extend of recovery. Yoga improves the impact of therapy for stroke. Those who participate in yoga may experience increased flexibility, improved balance, increased strength, less pain and enhanced energy levels. In these sessions guests are taught poses that can be done while lying on a bench or sitting on a chair or using a wheel chair support. Yoga has also been found to improve quality of life, reduce fear of falling and increase independence with daily living activities. Not only does yoga improve balance and flexibility, it has also been shown to result in a stronger and faster gait, longer steps, increased strength and endurance. In addition yoga stresses the importance of linking breath to movement which enhances the overall impact of stroke rehabilitation. By combining Ayurveda, physiotherapy and yoga, Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital provides the best ayurvedic treatment for stroke in Kerala.