Stroke Physical Therapy Charleston, SC

+ What Is A Stroke?

A blockage or rupture of the arteries to your brain prevents these blood vessels from delivering necessary oxygen and nutrients. This causes a medical emergency known as a stroke that quickly causes brain cells to die.

+ Types of Strokes

There are two main types of strokes, with many subcategories:

• Ischemic strokes. This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks the normal flow of blood to your brain. This is the most common type and accounts for up to nine out of ten strokes.
• Hemorrhagic strokes. A weak blood vessel that bursts can stop blood flow to the brain and cause a hemorrhagic stroke.

If you have a serious temporary clot, you may experience a “mini stroke” or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). TIA’s require medical attention and offer a warning sign that needs earnest consideration.

+ Warning Signs

There are several warning signs of stroke, including the sudden occurrence of:

• Drooping face on one side
• Weakness or numbness on one side
• Confused, slurred, repetitive, or other problem with speaking
• Terrible headache
• Vision difficulties in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance

+ Risk Factors

The ability to eliminate or minimize most risk factors makes most strokes preventable. Some of the most common risk factors for stroke include:

• Overweight and obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High blood pressure
• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Heart disease

+ What Are The Effects Of A Stroke?

The brain is complex in how it affects our various body parts and their function. A disruption to the blood supply to a particular area of the brain has severe consequences for the body part controlled by the affected brain region. The stroke's seriousness depends on the blood clot or hemorrhage location and how extensively the brain is damaged.

+ What Can I Do To Lower My Risk?

Healthy lifestyle changes can dramatically lower your risk of a stroke. A lifestyle that helps prevent stroke includes:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Not smoking
• Exercising regularly

+ How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Our occupational and physical therapists are movement specialists who can help you restore movement and normal walking ability, resolve your pain, and improve your balance. We create an individualized treatment plan that includes:

• Strength training
• Balance exercises
• Functional exercises
• Therapeutic activities
• Gait improvement