Paralysis after a stroke

Paralysis after a stroke is the most common phenomenon. This is not a verdict, but a severe test, both for the patient and for his close relatives. Usually paralysis affects that part of the patient's body that is opposite to the damaged area of the brain. So, if the right hemisphere is damaged, the left side of the body will be paralyzed, and vice versa. This fact is natural.

Complete paralysis of one side of the body, including facial muscles and tongue, is called hemiplegia in medicine, and muscle weakness (incomplete paralysis) is called hemiparesis.

[1], [2], [3]

Causes of the paralysis after a stroke

Paralysis after a stroke occurs due to a violation of the process of outflow of blood in the part of the brain as a result of rupture or blockage of the artery. The rupture of the cerebral artery may result from:

• an aneurysm of the brain;
• arterial hypertension;
• severe craniocerebral injury.

Occlusion of vessels (stenosis) can be in the case of:

• thrombosis, when a severed thrombus obstructs the vessel, stopping the access of oxygen to the tissues of the brain;
• Embolism, when a severed thrombus with blood flow is in the arteries of the brain.

It is necessary to identify the main risk factors that contribute to the development of a stroke. These are:

• high blood pressure figures;
• high cholesterol in the blood;
• obesity;
• atherosclerosis;
• stressful state;
• the presence of bad habits (smoking, alcohol);

It is very important to get rid of the above reasons to a minimum, as in most cases they provoke the development of a stroke.

[4], [5]

Symptoms of the paralysis after a stroke

The risk of stroke is prevented by the following symptoms:

• suddenly a sharp headache, dizziness;
• a sharp weakness that can manifest from one side of the body. Try to lift both hands over your head, and if one hand begins to fall involuntarily, then you have a stroke;
• nausea and vomiting;
• numbness in the arms, legs, and facial muscles;
• high blood pressure, heart rate;
• poor vision, hearing loss;
• impaired coordination of movement, walking, dizziness;
• lack of logical thinking and speech;
• cramps of extremities of the opposite side of the focus are possible;
• loss of consciousness;
• a feeling of fatigue, a bad dream, depression.

Due to localization, the vastness of circulatory disorders, the symptoms of the disease can be expressed in different ways. In medical practice, there is a favorable form of stroke, when the patient's consciousness returns immediately or after a few hours. After treatment of patients with this prognosis, almost all disorders of the brain functions are restored. Progressive form or a severe stroke, as a result of which consciousness to the patient comes after three or more days. In this case, the course of the disease is accompanied by additional symptoms, a second stroke is possible, and in 70% of cases immediately there is complete or partial paralysis after a stroke. A sudden onset of a stroke can be fatal.

Paralysis of the left side after a stroke

When paralysis after a stroke of the left side of the body, pathological processes occur in the opposite, right side of the brain. The cerebral cortex contains centers that limit the function of controlling the human body. Outwardly, both hemispheres of the brain are symmetrical, however, most of the centers are located in only one hemisphere. The center of the brain, which "responds" to the function of free movements, is in the central gyrus of the parietal part of it and is symmetrical. Thus, the right side of the hemisphere of the brain controls movement over the left part of the body, and the left part - above the right. Here is the center responsible for the movement of the feet, muscles, legs, hips and facial expressions.

There is such a factor that the stroke with the paralyzation of the left side of the body proceeds quite extensively, leaving behind serious consequences. In medicine, there are three "gemi" rules. It:

• hemiplegia, or paralysis of the left arm, leg, sometimes weakening of the left side of the muscles of the face;
• hemistesia - a violation of the sensitivity of the left part of the whole organism;
• hemianopsia - damage to the visual system of the body.

As a rule, with paralysis of the left side, the patient does not have a speech disorder. It is for this reason that the disease is diagnosed too late, and leads to irreversible consequences. This is a complete refusal of the left extremities, impaired hearing, paralysis of the left eye. Left-sided paralysis occurs much more often than the paralysis of the right side. According to medical statistics, they account for 60% of the total share of strokes. Paralysis after a stroke on the left side is much harder to cure, so correct diagnosis, timely first aid can prevent the severe consequences of the disease.

Paralysis of the right side after a stroke

The emergence of a lesion of the cerebral vessels (hemorrhage) in the left hemisphere entails paralysis of the right side or right-sided paralysis. Symptoms of the lesion of the right side are expressed quite clearly, it is much easier to recognize them than left-sided ones.

The following symptoms and symptoms are observed in patients:

• motor aphasia - partial or complete loss of speech, poor pronunciation, lack of understanding of other people's speech. This symptom is a clear sign of right-sided stroke;
• syncopeesis is observed (involuntary movements of paralyzed extremities of the reflex level);
• violation of logical thinking, memory, inability to read and write;
• paralysis of the facial nerve, limbs and even complete paralysis of the entire body;
• atrophy of muscle fibers (lack of motor activity), impaired coordination of motion;
• a violation of the psychological state. There is inadequate behavior, a sharp change in mood, excessive depression, isolation, anxiety or depression.

Detection of the disease in its initial stage, timely first aid gives a chance for a favorable recovery process.

Doctors believe that paralysis after a stroke on the right side has fewer consequences and is tolerated much more easily. Many patients after successful treatment and rehabilitation return to a full life. This is evidenced by scientific and medical statistics.

Paralysis of the hand after a stroke

Paralysis after a stroke disrupts the normal functioning of the hand. There is a spasm of the muscles, that is, their reflexive contraction, as a result of the disturbance of nerve impulses.

Restore the work of the hand is quite real. It is necessary to fulfill all the prescriptions and recommendations of a doctor. For example:

• Change the position of the hand as often as possible;
• Perform a set of exercises aimed at warming up the muscles and joints;
• Massage the muscles of the hand with a slight stroking in one direction;

Particular attention should be paid to the temperature in the room. It should be comfortable, with a clear priority of coolness. Watch your breathing, all exercises aimed at saving muscles must be exhaled.

First signs

The first signs of the disease directly depend on which part of the brain is under threat. If the violations occurred in the left part, the first signs can be found on the right side of the body. The first, classic signs are:

• nausea, often accompanied by vomiting;
• sudden headache;
• sharp pressure drop;
• numbness and loss of sensitivity of fingers, hands, feet;
• loss of consciousness;
• inadequate behavior of the patient.

When the first signs of illness appear, the patient should immediately be helped. Requires complete rest, fresh air, control of blood pressure, and in case of its increase use drugs such as furosemide, corinfar, kapoten, as well as 2-3 tablets of glycine, phenazepam or Relanium. After the arrival of the ambulance, the main treatment will be prescribed by the doctor.

Sometimes it is very difficult to recognize the first signs of the disease. For example, if we are at the other end of the wire, talking on the phone with a loved one, and hear complaints of poor health. At this point, you need to find out if there are any first signs of a stroke? The only reason you can recognize immediately is a speech disorder. You must ask questions of the following nature:

• Do you feel the same strength in your arms and legs?
• Is there a numbness in the extremities?
• as things are with the eyesight, it can deteriorate sharply, or there may be double vision in the eyes.
• Are there any headaches or dizziness?

If there are such signs, you need to immediately call an ambulance, so that there is no paralysis after a stroke!

[6], [7]

Complications and consequences

Common consequences:

• paralysis after a stroke, as a result of which the muscles of the face, arms, legs, one side of the body can suffer. In some cases, there may be complete paralysis of the body;
• impaired coordination of movement, loss of balance;
• dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing, is observed in 50% of patients;
• sensory aphasia, problems with pronunciation, understanding of words, and reading and writing;
• a visual impairment that manifests itself in double vision or, conversely, in the loss of half the subject from the field of vision. For example, when a patient sees food only on one side of the plate;
• chronic fatigue, poor sleep;
• loss of mental abilities, bad memory, inability to form a thought, to understand elementary things, difficulty in concentrating attention;
• the loss of certain skills, the complexity of perception, the inability to analyze events. For example, the patient is unable to determine the time, looking at the clock;
• a sharp change of mood, uncontrollable emotions;
• weakened control of urination, in most patients this is the most common consequence after a stroke;
• strength or weakness of sensations, for example, increased or decreased sensitivity to smells, taste, color, etc.

[8]

Complications

According to medical statistics, paralysis after a stroke is almost always accompanied by a disability, which can be temporary or lifelong. It all depends on what part of the brain is affected, and for how long there was no blood flow in the brain. Usually, complications can be quite severe, and this is facilitated by low vital activity of the organism in the course of the disease. The most important requirement for a patient is a state of rest and minimum movement, which can result in:

• Bedsores that are formed on the areas of the body, tightly in contact with the bed of the patient. This is a very dangerous symptom, which can later turn into necrosis of the tissue. In this case, the operation is inevitable. To prevent this, you need as often as possible to carefully turn the patient, removing all the possible folds on the bed linen. Bed linen must be clean and dry. If, however, the pressure sores began to appear, put the patient on a linen mattress, stuffed with millet. You can use a mattress stuffed with fresh hay. Such a procedure will help better air circulation and pressure sores can be avoided.
• The development of pneumonia. This is the most dangerous complication that occurs against the background of stagnant fluid in the patient's lungs. Formed sputum in the bronchi passes into the lungs, resulting in inflammation of the lungs. To prevent this, it is necessary to carefully place the patient, and if this is not possible, then at least raise it. There must always be fresh air in the room.
• Thrombosis. A mortally dangerous complication, as a result of which, inactive vessels in the extremities are clogged with thrombi. In the event that the patient is forbidden to move, it is necessary to do gentle massage of the extremities.
• Loss of sensitivity. The patient does not respond to external stimuli, such as cold, heat, tingling, etc. Sensations are localized only in one part of the body. As a result, the patient can not independently serve himself, that is, eat, drink, move. The procedure for the recovery of such patients must necessarily be agreed with the doctor and performed strictly under the supervision of nurses.
• Violation of logical thinking and mentality. This is a fairly frequent phenomenon that occurs against the background of a violation of the blood circulation of the brain. As a result, the functions of speech, intellect, and logic are reduced. Violated the emotional state of the patient, bursts of aggression, inadequate behavior of the patient.

Close relatives who took responsibility for the life of the patient need a lot of energy, energy and patience. Only in their power to reduce all complications to a minimum, and as soon as possible put a loved one on his feet.

[9], [10]

Diagnostics of the paralysis after a stroke

Diagnosis of paralysis after a stroke should include the following items:

• restoration of the main symptoms of the disease, the causes and time of its onset;
• complete examination with computer and magnetic resonance imaging;
• checking the presence of reflexes of the hands, legs, facial muscles, musculoskeletal system;

Diagnosis should be rapid. During the examination of the patient, the doctor must determine which part of the brain has suffered, whether there was a head injury, completely eliminate other possible diseases, such as a brain tumor, a reaction to drugs, etc. It is important to reveal the fact of cerebral hemorrhage and the severity of the disease. Sometimes it is necessary to check the presence of small crystals of blood clots in the blood vessels of the eye. For this use an ophthalmoscope.

Paralysis after a stroke is difficult to diagnose if the person is unconscious. There may be different symptoms and causes similar to other related diseases. Therefore, to establish the correct diagnosis, an experienced specialist is needed, ideally - a doctor - a neurologist.

[11], [12]

Analyzes

The blood test shows all the information about blood coagulability, the level of sugar and basic chemical indicators. This is important information for patients with paralysis after a stroke. From the blood test will depend on what will be the further treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, patients are recommended to do

• biochemical blood test, which will show the content of bilirubin, glucose, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, electrolytes.
• a blood test for the study of a coagulation system (coagulogram), which will show the content of fibrinogen.
• the general analysis of urine without fail

[13], [14], [15], [16]

Instrumental diagnostics

An important moment at the diagnostic stage is instrumental diagnostics, with which you can not only determine the nature and extent of the lesion, but also find out the cause of the disease.

The most common method of instrumental diagnostics is

• computer tomography, with which you can determine the type of stroke, identify the presence and size of hemorrhage.
• angiography of vessels, mandatory addition to computed tomography. The X-ray method reveals the pathological state of the vessels, their constriction or blockage, the degree and place of the aneurysm (enlargement). This method of research has its own disadvantage - invasiveness, because during the examination, a catheter with a contrast agent is inserted into the artery in the thigh region, after which a study is performed. Angiography is used only in extreme cases, when it is necessary to clarify the focus of bleeding. Often this method is used before the operation.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allows you to see a layered image of the tissues and structure of the brain, identify abnormalities, tumors and hemorrhages. Compared with computer diagnostics, the MRI method provides more accurate information, since this type of examination creates a brain image in the 3-D format.
• Ultrasound examination will help to detect the presence of thrombi and narrowing of the arteries.

Differential diagnosis

Carrying out differential diagnostics of paralysis after a stroke allows doctors to choose the right treatment tactics. This type of diagnosis involves neuroimaging studies that visualize the structure and biochemical characteristics in the cerebral cortex. Differential diagnosis is recommended for anamnestic data of instrumental and laboratory studies, as well as for some clinical signs.

Differential diagnosis of paralysis after a stroke is especially difficult when the clinical picture of the disease is similar in pathogenesis and etiology. Individual motor disorders are observed in abnormal development of the brain, hereditary pathology, endocrine diseases. To exclude contiguous diseases, a qualified evaluation of clinical symptoms along with other methods of investigation is necessary.

[17], [18], [19], [20]

Treatment of the paralysis after a stroke

The main cause of paralysis is a stroke, so the treatment of paralysis is identical to the treatment of a stroke. Paralysis after a stroke occurs as a result of inhibition of the activity of cells, and the faster their activity is restored, the fewer parts of the body will be paralyzed. Treatment of paralysis is a fairly serious and lengthy process. He does not tolerate procrastination. The help should be emergency, as the life of the person is in danger. The chance of recovery exists, with proper treatment and clear implementation of the doctor's recommendations.

The following groups of drugs are used to treat stroke:

• neurotrophic action, with a nootropic effect in its composition. The group of drugs is heterogeneous (the presence in the structure of various parts) and potentially opens new effects on the homeostasis of metals in the brain. In turn, trace elements affect the pharmacokinetics and dynamics. These properties are possessed by preparations of cerebrolysin, nootropil, piracetam, lucetam, etc. Assign intravenously, drip, the course of treatment - from 10 to 25 introductions.
• platelet and erythrocyte action. Such drugs (antiaggregants) have an effect on the dilution of blood in the body, normalizing blood flow and reducing the formation of thrombi. This cardiomagnesium, cardioaspirin, thrombotic ACC in tablets. Accepted once a day for 0.001 g / kg, and injections trental, flexital, pentoxifylin - intravenously once a day for 0.1-0.2 g.
• vasoactive effect, affecting the tone of the vessels. This is vinpocetine (cavinton), nicergoline, aminophilin. Injections intramuscularly, intravenously or by drop, depending on the name of the drug.
• angioprotective action. These drugs protect the brain vessels of patients with a diagnosis of "paralysis after a stroke." These drugs include ascorutin, troxerutin, prodectin, etamzilate.

To maintain positive cerebral dynamics, it is recommended to strictly adhere to antihypertensive therapy, considering the main factors, such as

• optimal level of heart function
• support of linear velocity of blood flow in the distal part of the brain artery.
• Support the volume of blood circulation.

Modern methods of treating paralysis after a stroke are aimed at complete recovery of patients in the course of their treatment and rehabilitation.

Vitamins

An important condition for paralysis after a stroke is a balanced diet. It is difficult to restore the correct metabolism of the brain center after a long illness, and vitamins play a special role in this process. The basis of products should contain a large amount of fiber, a moderate composition of fats and carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits in unlimited quantities.

Let's talk about vitamins in detail, and identify the main groups that restore the function of the brain. Most of the vitamins are found in fish, walnuts, broccoli, asparagus, spinach. These products reduce homocystin in the body, which helps reduce the risk of a second stroke. Vitamins of this group restore the neurological function of the brain, purify the arteries, promote the formation of new blood cells.

Legumes, vegetables, fruits, hard cheeses and eggs (a limited number) are rich in potassium, and vitamin E lowers the severity of the lesion of the brain. Fat-soluble vitamins of group E (tocotrienols) are contained in sea fish, milk, vegetable oil, liver, soy, eggs and meat.

Doctors recommend eating foods containing polyunsaturated fatty acids or omega-3. They prevent the formation of blood clots in the body, reduce cholesterol in the blood.

Paralysis after a stroke is restored by vitamins of almost all major groups, contributes to the rapid recovery of the body, however, the whole process should be monitored by the attending physician. It is necessary to strictly fulfill all the prescriptions, take a complex of vitamins until complete recovery.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

Get positive results of treatment without physiotherapy is almost impossible. The fact is that the cells responsible for the motor function of the organism have died and after paralysis only the neighboring cells can control the organism. Therefore, the medical centers developed special methods for restoring the health of patients diagnosed with "paralysis after a stroke". With the help of new equipment, physicians will help to partially restore the function of nerve endings around the lesion and make the remaining areas of the brain work. The affected area of the brain can become active if it receives nerve impulses from paralyzed limbs. Such impulses can be created artificially, using a variety of special procedures. For example:

• micropolarization (a method of treatment that can change the functional state of some parts of the central nervous system under the influence of current up to 1 mA);
• magnetic stimulation;
• kinesitherapy;
• hivamat massage;
• neuromyostimulation,
• physiotherapy.

The complex of procedures appointed by the doctor, develops, models and enhances the movements characteristic of a healthy person. All procedures are mandatorily controlled by a physician. Recovery and rehabilitation of patients who have had paralysis after a stroke, will take a long time, however, this process gives its positive results.

It is very important to choose the right treatment, using the modern achievements of medicine.

Alternative treatment

For a long time, paralysis after the stroke was treated with alternative medicine. This method has not lost its relevance in our days. There are many recipes for alternative medicine used to treat, prevent the effects of paralysis after a stroke. This treatment with algae, color, fats and vegetable oils, stones and minerals, essential oils. Especially effective treatment of bee products and honey, as they contain substances that reduce blood clotting. Consequently, blood pressure is normalized, blood clots are reduced, the condition of the vessel walls improves, which is very important for the rehabilitation of paralysis after a stroke. We offer several miraculous recipes, the treatment of paralysis beekeeping products.

1. Mix 2 grams of propolis and 100 grams of alcohol. Insist 3 days. Take 8 drops 2 times a day after meals. Before taking the tincture, you must shake it. You may be confused by the presence of alcohol in this recipe. Do not worry, this amount is acceptable even after such a serious illness.
2. Take 1 glass of May honey, 60 ml of tea mushroom tincture and 5 ml of peppermint infusion. Connect the components and put the container in a dark place. After 10 days, take 1 tablespoon of infusion 3 times a day.

When paralysis after a stroke, a mummy is often used, which improves:

• blood circulation of the body;
• processes of transmission of nerve impulses;
• metabolism;
• normalizes the muscle tone of tissues.

Take 0.4 grams of mum 2 times a day for 10 days. Wash down with warm water. It is recommended to spend 3-4 courses of treatment, with a break for 5 days.

Combine 5 grams of mummy and 150 ml of aloe juice. Take 10 tablespoons of 1 tablespoon twice a day before meals. The course of treatment should be repeated after 15 days.

[21], [22], [23]

Herbal Treatment

A good effect on patients who have suffered paralysis after a stroke, has the effect of herbal tea. It is very important to brew it correctly. For this, take the flowers of chamomile, caraway, St. John's wort and birch buds (all in 100 grams). One tablespoon of the mixture pour a glass of boiling water, let it stay a little, and then add another 300 ml of water. Bring to a boil, but do not boil! The received tea drink warm, on one glass in the morning and in the evening for 20 minutes before meal. The course of treatment is 1 month.

A good effect of treating paralysis after a stroke is achieved by tincture of echinopsia (popular name mordovnik or chilibukha). One tablespoon of herbs pour 0.5 liters of alcohol and put in a warm, dark place. After 21 days, tincture can be drunk 3 times a day for 30 drops.

Also popular among the people is the treatment with fruits and roots of cinnamon cinnamon, sage, peony, celandine, garlic. However, treatment must necessarily be comprehensive.

Oropharynx helmet in case of paralysis after a stroke

Often after a stroke, patients turn to alternative medicine, and receive positive results. Since a long time, paralysis after the stroke was treated with a helmet-like orch. Especially popular are the tubers of this plant. Apply it as a restorative, restorative remedy for paralysis after a stroke, a heart attack, with nervous exhaustion, hypertension. Orchitis improves blood circulation in the vessels, restores the work of the heart, and can also return the sensitivity of the paralyzed parts of the body.

Due to the rich content of mucus, which is found in tubers, the plant has an excellent enveloping effect. The mucus of the root acts as a powerful biostimulator, restores sensitivity to nerve endings and restores paralyzed areas.

For the preparation of tinctures, only soft tubers of the plant are taken. So, 10 tubers of orchis cut in half, put in a container and pour alcohol (200 ml, 96 ^o ). Insist two weeks. Ready tincture take in the morning on an empty stomach for one teaspoon. The disease recedes within a month, at most, after a month and a half. Affected vessels are restored and paralysis recedes. Make sure the effectiveness of treatment by this method, which is widely known since ancient times. Many patients, bedridden, once again rose to their feet and returned to a healthy and fulfilling life

Homeopathy

Homeopathy has a positive effect on the development of emotional, cognitive, and psychological disorders. At the time of taking medications, memory quickly returns, sleep is normalized, mood improves, and emotional lability is significantly reduced. There is also a noticeable improvement in speech and recovery of motor functions. Homeopathic medications are used to treat paralysis after a stroke.

Widely popular in this direction is the pharmaceutical company Neel, which developed a set of injectable preparations such as Coenzyme compositum and Ubihinon compositum. They provide oxygen to the cells of the body and actively influence the function of respiration. The drugs also work well with other drugs, which are used both in stroke therapy and in the mode of their rehabilitation. The course of treatment - from 10 to 15 injections, and to achieve a quick effect, simultaneous use of these drugs is recommended.

Homeopathic preparations of nootropic action (anagel, arnica-chord, gold iodine, memorial) have a beneficial effect on the vessels, increasing their tone and elasticity, improve the blood circulation of the brain, and stimulate capillary circulation (microcirculation) and provide cells with oxygen.

The homeopathic method of treatment is purely individual, so the medications that the patient needs are prescribed only by the attending physician!

Operative treatment

Modern methods of treating stroke suggest surgical intervention. The cause of the disease is the narrowing of large arteries, the result of which can be paralysis after a stroke.

There are two methods of surgical intervention. The first, classical method involves the expansion of the carotid artery. The second method is catheter balloon angioplasty of the artery. The principle of operation is the same as with angioplasty of the cardiac artery. The operations are performed under local anesthesia.

Prevention

After suffering a stroke with the consequences of paralysis, most of the patients become disabled. In order to prevent after such a serious illness, it is necessary to change the way of life. Most importantly, do not overwork the brain, rest more, visit the outdoors as often as possible, eat right, exclude alcohol and smoking. In no case can not give up physical activity, but the main thing is not to overdo it. We recommend swimming, moderate walking, skiing, but all these activities must be coordinated with the attending physician. Daily measure blood pressure and pulse.

Doctors recommend continuing medication, in order to avoid disruption of the functions and structure of the brain. To reduce the risk of the disease, antiplatelet drugs are prescribed to reduce blood coagulability. This is aspirin, argknox (a combination of dipyridamole and aspirin) of ticlopidine (Ticlid) or clopidogrel (Plavix).

Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) very quickly act on the body. These are powerful drugs that dilute blood.

The frequency of admission and the correct dosage is prescribed by the doctor.

Doctors are urged to comply with these rules of life, because the threat of a second stroke is observed in the first year in about 20% of patients, and 40% - after five years of illness. This is evidenced by medical statistics. Observe all the rules of prevention and do not allow the development of a stroke.

[24], [25]

Forecast

A favorable prognosis of the stroke is likely in the absence of a pronounced aphasia (speech disorder), sensory deficiency, cerebral symptoms, such as severe headache, dizziness, nausea, convulsive attacks. Reduction of the loss of a sensitive function or its complete absence, as well as impaired motor function of the body, associated with the work of the vestibular apparatus. It should be noted that timely therapy (three to six hours after the first signs of a stroke) has a direct effect on the positive outcome of the disease.

Patients can fully expect full functional recovery. According to medical statistics, almost half of them return to normal normal life, and only one in three patients needs outside help.

Paralysis after a stroke is not restored in the event that the movements of the hands and feet are completely absent for six to twelve months after the illness.

A disappointing prognosis of the outcome of the disease, which has a lethal outcome, is observed in the case of atonic coma, with severe bleeding against a pronounced hormometonic syndrome, with a repeated stroke, and also in oncology in the incurable (incurable) stage.

[26], [27]