What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain (ischemic) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhage). In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die which can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
Epidemiology – Singapore
In Singapore the number of stroke episodes increased from 5,890 episodes in 2010 to 8,849 episodes in 2019. Based on the Singapore Stroke Registry Annual Report 2019, the median age at onset of stroke increased slightly from 68.2 years in 2010 to 69.2 years in 2019. About 3 in 4 of the patients were aged 60 years and above in 2019.
Risk factors
Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and smoking are well-established modifiable risk factors of stroke. Smoking included former or current smokers. Males have a higher risk of stroke compared to females.
Risk factors you can address
While not all risk factors are within your control, there are some risk factors that can be addressed to reduce your risk of stroke or secondary stroke. Some of them include:
- Smoking
- Diet
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Atrial fibrillation
- Diabetes
How does physiotherapy help in the prevention of a stroke?
Physiotherapists can help you come up with a individualised exercise program, even with those who may have heart conditions and are currently on medication with supervision from their doctor. Physiotherapists can tailor the exercise program to ensure a safe, regular physical exercise program to reduce the risk of another stroke.
How does physiotherapy help after a stroke or brain injuries?
Physiotherapists will evaluate your strength, range of motion, sensation, proprioception (joint awareness), balance and its impact on your functional mobility. They will come up with an individualized plan to maximize your functional mobility. If you require a walking aid, your PT will assess which is most suitable after your assessment and continue to evaluate the suitability throughout your treatment sessions.
If you are a caregiver, physiotherapists can help with a home exercise program to support your loved one, biomechanics to decrease injury risk to yourself when assisting your loved ones throughout functional mobility.
What can physiotherapists help with:
- Strength, balance coordination, muscle length and joint range of motion
- Community reintegration - taking public transport, visiting your favorite coffee shop
- Return to work and activities
- Prescribe walking aids or orthosis to support functional mobility
- Use of modalities to support neuroplasticity
Sources: American Stroke Association, Singapore Stroke Registry Annual Report 2019