Paralysis after a stroke

Paralysis after a stroke is the most common phenomenon. This is not a death sentence, but a difficult test for both the patient and his close relatives. Usually, paralysis affects the part of the patient's body that is opposite the damaged part 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 the facial muscles and tongue, is medically called hemiplegia, while muscle weakness (incomplete paralysis) is called hemiparesis.

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Causes of paralysis after a stroke

Paralysis after a stroke occurs due to a disruption in the blood flow process in part of the brain as a result of a rupture or blockage of an artery. A rupture of a cerebral artery can be the result of:

• cerebral aneurysm;
• arterial hypertension;
• severe traumatic brain injury.

Vascular obstruction (stenosis) may occur in the case of:

• thrombosis, when a detached thrombus blocks a vessel, stopping the supply of oxygen to the brain tissue;
• embolism, when a detached thrombus ends up in the artery of the brain with the bloodstream.

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

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

It is very important to get rid of the above-mentioned causes to a minimum, since in most cases they provoke the development of a stroke.

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Symptoms of paralysis after a stroke

The following symptoms warn of the danger of stroke:

• sudden severe headache, dizziness;
• sudden weakness that may appear on one side of the body. Try to raise both arms above your head, and if one arm starts to fall involuntarily, then you are having a stroke;
• nausea and vomiting;
• numbness of arms, legs, facial muscles;
• high blood pressure, pulse rate;
• poor vision, hearing loss;
• impaired coordination of movements, walking, dizziness;
• lack of logical thinking and speech;
• convulsions of the limbs on the opposite side of the lesion are possible;
• loss of consciousness;
• feeling tired, poor sleep, depression.

Due to the localization and extent of circulatory disorders, the symptoms of the disease may 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 treating patients with such a prognosis, almost all disorders of the brain functions are restored. A progressive form or severe stroke, as a result of which the patient regains consciousness after three or more days. In this case, the course of the disease is accompanied by additional symptoms, a repeated stroke is possible, and in 70% of cases, complete or partial paralysis immediately occurs after a stroke. The sudden onset of a stroke can lead to death.

Left side paralysis after stroke

In case of paralysis after a stroke of the left side of the body, pathological processes occurring in the opposite, right side of the brain are observed. The cerebral cortex contains centers that limit the function of controlling the human body. Externally, both hemispheres of the brain are symmetrical to each other, however, most of the centers are located in only one hemisphere. The center of the brain that is "responsible" for the function of free movements is located in the central gyrus of its parietal part and is symmetrical. Thus, the right part of the cerebral hemisphere controls movement over the left part of the body, and the left part - over the right. Here is also the center responsible for the movement of the feet, muscles, shins, thighs and facial expressions.

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

• hemiplegia, or paralysis of the left arm, leg, sometimes there is a weakening of the left side of the facial muscles;
• hemesthesia – a disturbance of sensitivity of the left side of the whole body;
• hemianopsia is a disorder of the body's visual system.

As a rule, with paralysis of the left side, the patient does not experience speech impairment. This is the reason why the disease is diagnosed too late and entails irreversible consequences. This is a complete failure of the left limbs, hearing impairment, paralysis of the left eye. Left-sided paralysis occurs much more often than paralysis of the right side. According to medical statistics, they make up 60% of the total share of strokes. Paralysis after a stroke on the left side is much more difficult to cure, therefore, correct diagnosis, timely first aid can prevent serious consequences of the disease.

Right side paralysis after stroke

The occurrence of a lesion of the cerebral vessels (hemorrhage) in the left hemisphere entails paralysis of the right side or right-sided paralysis. Symptoms of damage to the right side are expressed quite clearly, they are much easier to recognize than those on the left side.

Patients experience the following signs and symptoms:

• motor aphasia - partial or complete loss of speech, poor pronunciation, inability to understand other people's speech. This symptom is a clear sign of a right-sided stroke;
• synkinesis (involuntary movements of paralyzed limbs at a reflex level) is observed;
• impairment of logical thinking, memory, inability to read and write;
• paralysis of the facial nerve, limbs and even complete paralysis of the entire body;
• muscle fiber atrophy (lack of motor activity), impaired coordination of movement;
• disturbance of psychological state. Inappropriate behavior, sudden mood swings, excessive depression, isolation, anxiety or depression are observed.

Detection of the disease at its early stage and timely first aid provide a chance for a favorable recovery process.

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

Paralysis of the arm after a stroke

Paralysis after a stroke disrupts the normal functioning of the arm. Muscle spasticity occurs, that is, their reflex contraction, as a result of disruption of nerve impulses.

Restoring hand function is quite possible. You need to follow all the doctor's instructions and recommendations. For example:

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

Particular attention should be paid to the room temperature. It should be comfortable, with a clear priority of coolness. Watch your breathing, all exercises aimed at muscle spasticity should be on exhalation.

First signs

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

• nausea, often accompanied by vomiting;
• sudden headache;
• sudden pressure drop;
• numbness and loss of sensation in fingers, arms, legs;
• loss of consciousness;
• inadequate behavior of the patient.

When the first signs of the disease appear, the patient needs immediate assistance. Complete rest, fresh air, blood pressure control are necessary, and in case of its increase, drugs such as furosemide, corinfar, capoten, as well as 2-3 tablets of glycine, phenazepam or relanium are used. After the ambulance arrives, the main treatment will be prescribed by a doctor.

Sometimes it is very difficult to recognize the first signs of illness. For example, if we are on the other end of the line, talking on the phone with a loved one, and we hear complaints about feeling unwell. At this point, we need to find out if there are any first signs of a stroke? The only reason that can be recognized immediately is a speech disorder. It is necessary to ask questions of the following nature:

• Do you feel the same strength in your arms and legs?
• is there numbness in the limbs?
• how things are with your vision, it may deteriorate sharply, or double vision may appear.
• Do you have any headaches or dizziness?

If you have such symptoms, you must immediately call an ambulance to prevent paralysis after a stroke!

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Complications and consequences

Common consequences:

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

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Complications

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

• Bedsores that form on areas of the body that are in close contact with the patient's bed. This is a very dangerous symptom that can later turn into tissue necrosis. In this case, surgery is inevitable. To prevent this, you need to carefully turn the patient over as often as possible, removing all possible folds on the bed linen. The bed linen should be clean and dry. If bedsores do begin to appear, put the patient on a linen mattress stuffed with millet. You can use a mattress stuffed with fresh hay. This procedure will help improve air circulation and bedsores can be avoided.
• Development of pneumonia. This is the most dangerous complication that occurs against the background of stagnant fluid in the patient's lungs. The sputum formed in the bronchi passes into the lungs, causing pneumonia. To prevent this, it is necessary to carefully seat the patient, and if this is impossible, then at least raise him. There should always be fresh air in the ward.
• Thrombosis. A life-threatening complication, as a result of which the low-mobility vessels in the extremities become clogged with blood clots. If the patient is prohibited from moving, a gentle massage of the extremities should be done.
• Loss of sensitivity. The patient has no reaction to external stimuli, such as cold, heat, tingling, etc. The sensations are localized only in one part of the body. As a result, the patient cannot take care of himself, i.e. eat, drink, move. The procedure for the recovery of such patients must be agreed upon with the doctor and carried out strictly under the supervision of junior medical personnel.
• Violation of logical thinking and psyche. This is a fairly common phenomenon that occurs against the background of impaired cerebral circulation. As a result, speech, intellect, and logic functions are reduced. The patient's emotional state is disrupted, aggression flares up, and the patient's behavior is inadequate.

Close relatives who have taken responsibility for the patient's life will need a lot of strength, energy and patience. Only they can reduce all complications to a minimum and get their loved one back on his feet as quickly as possible.

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Diagnostics of paralysis after a stroke

Diagnosis of paralysis after a stroke must necessarily include the following points:

• restoration of the main symptoms of the disease, the causes and time of its occurrence;
• complete examination using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging;
• checking the presence of reflexes in the arms, legs, facial muscles, and musculoskeletal system;

Diagnostics should be quick. During the examination of the patient, the doctor must determine which part of the brain is damaged, whether there was a head injury, completely exclude other possible diseases, such as a brain tumor, drug reaction, etc. It is important to identify the fact of cerebral hemorrhage and the severity of the disease. Sometimes it is necessary to check for small crystals of thrombi in the blood vessels of the eye. An ophthalmoscope is used for this.

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

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Tests

A blood test shows all the information about blood clotting, sugar levels and basic chemical indicators. This is important information for patients who have suffered paralysis after a stroke. The blood test will determine what further treatment and rehabilitation will be. Therefore, patients are recommended to do

• A biochemical blood test that will show the content of bilirubin, glucose, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and electrolytes.
• a blood test to examine the coagulation system (coagulogram), which will show the fibrinogen content.
• General urine analysis is mandatory

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Instrumental diagnostics

An important point at the diagnostic stage is instrumental diagnostics, with the help of which it is possible not only to determine the nature and volume of the lesion, but also to find out the cause of the disease.

The most common method of instrumental diagnostics is

• computed tomography, which can be used to determine the type of stroke and identify the presence and size of hemorrhage.
• angiography of vessels, a mandatory addition to computed tomography. The X-ray method reveals the pathological condition of the vessels, their narrowing or blockage, the degree and location of the aneurysm (expansion). This method of examination has its drawback - invasiveness, since during the examination a catheter with a contrast agent is inserted into the artery in the thigh area, after which the examination is carried out. Angiography is used only in extreme cases, when it is necessary to clarify the source of bleeding. Often this method is used before surgery.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows you to see a layered image of the tissues and structure of the brain, to identify disorders, tumors and hemorrhages. Compared to computer diagnostics, the MRI method provides more accurate information, since this type of examination creates a 3-D image of the brain.
• Ultrasound examination will help to identify the presence of blood clots and narrowing of the arteries.

Differential diagnosis

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

Differential diagnostics 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. In order to exclude related diseases, a qualified assessment of clinical symptoms is necessary together with other research methods.

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Treatment of 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 cell activity, and the faster their activity is restored, the fewer areas of the body will be paralyzed. Treatment of paralysis is a rather serious and lengthy process. It does not tolerate delay. Help must be urgent, since a person's life is in danger. There is a chance of recovery, with proper treatment and strict adherence to the doctor's recommendations.

The following groups of drugs are used to treat stroke:

• neurotrophic action, containing a nootropic component of action. The group of drugs is heterogeneous (the presence of various parts in the structure) and potentially opens up new effects on metal homeostasis in the brain. In turn, trace elements affect pharmacokinetics and dynamics. These properties are possessed by drugs cerebrolysin, nootropil, piracetam, lucetam, etc. They are prescribed intravenously, drip, the course of treatment is from 10 to 25 administrations.
• platelet and erythrocyte action. Such drugs (antiplatelet agents) have an effect on blood thinning in the body, normalizing blood flow and reducing the formation of blood clots. These are cardiomagnyl, cardioaspirin, thrombo ASS in tablets. Take 0.001 g / kg once a day, and injections of trental, flexital, pentoxifylline - intravenously once a day at 0.1-0.2 g.
• vasoactive action, affecting vascular tone. These are vinpocetine (cavinton), nicergoline, aminophylline. Injections intramuscularly, intravenously or by drip, depending on the name of the drug.
• angioprotective action. These drugs protect the blood vessels of the brain of patients diagnosed with "paralysis after a stroke." Such drugs include askorutin, troxerutin, prodectinom, etamzilat.

To maintain positive cerebral dynamics, it is recommended to strictly adhere to hypotensive therapy, taking into account the main factors such as

• optimal level of heart function
• maintenance of linear blood flow velocity in the distal cerebral artery.
• Maintaining blood circulation volume.

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

Vitamins

An important condition for paralysis after a stroke is a rational, 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 the 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 specifically and highlight the main groups that restore brain function. Most vitamins are found in fish, walnuts, broccoli, asparagus, and spinach. These products reduce homocysteine in the body, which helps reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. Vitamins in this group restore the neurological function of the brain, cleanse arteries, and promote the formation of new blood cells.

Legumes, vegetables, fruits, hard cheeses and eggs (in limited quantities) are rich in potassium, and vitamin E reduces the severity of brain damage. Fat-soluble vitamins of group E (tocotrienols) are found 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 and reduce cholesterol in the blood.

Paralysis after a stroke is restored by vitamins of almost all the main groups, they promote rapid recovery of the body, however, the attending physician should monitor this entire process. It is necessary to strictly follow all the instructions, take a vitamin complex until complete recovery.

Physiotherapy treatment

It is almost impossible to obtain positive treatment results without physiotherapy. The fact is that the cells responsible for the motor function of the body have died and after paralysis only neighboring cells can control the body. Therefore, medical centers have developed special methods for restoring the health of patients diagnosed with "paralysis after a stroke." With the help of new equipment, doctors 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 the paralyzed limbs. Such impulses can be created artificially using a number of special procedures. For example:

• micropolarization (a treatment method capable of changing 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,
• therapeutic exercise.

A set of procedures prescribed by a doctor develops, models and strengthens movements characteristic of a healthy person. All procedures are necessarily supervised by a doctor. Recovery and rehabilitation of patients who have suffered paralysis after a stroke will require a lot of time, however, this process gives its positive results.

It is very important to choose the right treatment using modern medical advances.

Folk remedies

Since ancient times, paralysis after a stroke has been treated with folk medicine. This method has not lost its relevance today. There are many recipes of folk medicine used for the treatment and prevention of the consequences of paralysis after a stroke. This is treatment with algae, flowers, fats and vegetable oils, stones and minerals, essential oils. Treatment with bee products and honey is especially effective, since they contain substances that reduce blood clotting. Consequently, blood pressure is normalized, the formation of blood clots is reduced, the condition of the vessel walls is improved, which is very important for the rehabilitation of paralysis after a stroke. We offer several miraculous recipes for the treatment of paralysis with bee products.

1. Mix 2 grams of propolis and 100 grams of alcohol. Leave for 3 days. Take 8 drops 2 times a day after meals. Shake the tincture before taking. You may be confused by the presence of alcohol in this recipe. Don't worry, this amount is acceptable even after such a serious illness.
2. Take 1 glass of May honey, 60 ml of kombucha tincture and 5 ml of peppermint infusion. Combine the ingredients and place the container in a dark place. After 10 days, take 1 tablespoon of the infusion 3 times a day.

In cases of paralysis after a stroke, mumiyo is often used, which improves:

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

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

Combine 5 grams of mumiyo and 150 ml of aloe juice. Take 1 tablespoon 2 times a day before meals for 10 days. The course of treatment must be repeated after 15 days.

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Herbal treatment

Herbal tea has a good effect on patients who have suffered paralysis after a stroke. It is very important to brew it correctly. To do this, take chamomile flowers, caraway, St. John's wort and birch buds (100 grams each). Pour one tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, let it sit for a while, and then add another 300 ml of water. Bring to a boil, but do not boil! Drink the resulting tea warm, one glass in the morning and evening 20 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 1 month.

A good effect in treating paralysis after a stroke is achieved with tincture of Echinopsia (popular name: Echinopsia or Chilibuha). Pour 0.5 liters of alcohol over one tablespoon of the herb and place in a warm, dark place. After 21 days, the tincture can be drunk 3 times a day, 30 drops at a time.

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

Orchis Helmetata for paralysis after stroke

Often after a stroke, patients turn to folk medicine and get positive results. Since ancient times, paralysis after a stroke was treated with helmet orchis. The tubers of this plant are especially popular. It is used as a general tonic, restorative for paralysis after a stroke, heart attack, nervous exhaustion, hypertension. Orchis improves blood circulation in the vessels, restores heart function, and can also return sensitivity to areas of the body affected by paralysis.

Due to the rich mucus content contained in the tubers, the plant has an excellent enveloping effect. Root mucus works as a powerful biostimulant, restores sensitivity to nerve endings and restores areas affected by paralysis.

To prepare the tincture, take only the soft tubers of the plant. So, cut 10 tubers of the orchis in half, put them in a container and fill with alcohol (200 ml, 96 ^o ). Infuse for two weeks. Take the finished tincture in the morning on an empty stomach, one teaspoon at a time. The disease recedes in a month, maximum, in a month and a half. The affected vessels are restored and the paralysis recedes. See for yourself the effectiveness of treatment with this method, which has been widely known since ancient times. Many patients, confined to bed, got back on 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. During the administration of drugs, patients quickly regain their memory, sleep is normalized, mood improves, and emotional lability is significantly reduced. There is also a noticeable improvement in speech and restoration of motor functions. Homeopathic drugs are used to treat paralysis after a stroke.

The pharmaceutical company "Heel" is widely popular in this area. It has developed a complex of injection drugs, such as "Coenzyme compositum" and "Ubiquinone compositum". They provide the body's cells with oxygen and actively affect the respiratory function. The drugs also combine well with other drugs that are used both in the treatment of strokes and in their rehabilitation. The course of treatment is from 10 to 15 injections, and to achieve a quick effect, it is recommended to use these drugs simultaneously.

Homeopathic nootropic drugs (anagel, arnica-accord, golden iodine, memoria) have a beneficial effect on blood vessels, increasing their tone and elasticity, improve cerebral circulation, and also stimulate capillary circulation (microcirculation) and provide cells with oxygen.

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

Surgical treatment

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

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

Prevention

After a stroke with consequences of paralysis, the majority of patients become disabled. For prevention purposes, after such a serious illness, it is necessary to change your lifestyle. The most important thing is not to overwork your brain, rest more, be outdoors as often as possible, eat right, and avoid alcohol and smoking. In no case should you give up physical activity, but the main thing is not to overdo it. Swimming, moderate walking, skiing are recommended, but all these activities must be agreed upon with your doctor. Measure your blood pressure and pulse daily.

Doctors recommend continuing drug treatment to avoid disruption of the functions and structure of the brain. To reduce the risk of disease, antiplatelet drugs are prescribed that reduce blood clotting. These are aspirin, argknox (a combination of dipyridamole and aspirin), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or clopidogrel (Plavix).

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

The frequency of administration and the correct dosage are prescribed by the doctor.

Doctors strongly recommend following these rules of life, because the threat of a repeated 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. Follow all the rules of prevention and do not allow a stroke to develop.

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Forecast

A favorable prognosis for stroke is likely if the patient does not have pronounced aphasia (speech impairment), sensory deficit, general cerebral symptoms such as severe headache, dizziness, nausea, seizures. Decreased loss of sensory 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 (from three to six hours after the first signs of stroke) has a direct impact on the positive outcome of the disease.

Patients can fully expect a full functional recovery. According to medical statistics, almost half return to a full normal life, and only every third patient needs outside help.

Paralysis after a stroke does not recover if there is a complete lack of movement of the arms and legs for six to twelve months after the illness.

A disappointing prognosis for the outcome of the disease, with a fatal outcome, is observed in the case of atonic coma, with severe bleeding against the background of a pronounced hormetic syndrome, with a repeated stroke, as well as with oncology in its incurable (incurable) stage.

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