BANGALORE: With stress being the buzzword of the day, people are susceptible to a stroke. The World Health Organization rates this the third biggest health problem, with India having the second highest incidence rate in the world.

A stroke does not necessarily mean the end of life. With expert treatment at the right time, the victim can reach at least a 90 per cent recovery. The stroke does not, as is commonly believed, affect the heart. It is a brain disorder and depending on which part of the brain is affected, the corresponding part of the body is damaged.

Advanced treatment

While complete recovery may not be possible, regaining mobility is possible. The Agadi Centre for Physical Medicine and Neuro Rehabilitation has introduced several new treatments and therapy techniques.

"We use several advanced physiotherapy treatments and other training for the motor functions to help our patients on the path of recovery," says Chandrashekar Belludi, Director and Chief Physiotherapist of the Centre.

Their treatments include gym, Swiss ball exercises, electrotherapy, walking training, and hand rehabilitation.

These bring the limbs back to near normal functioning.

Using these treatments, the clinic boasts of many cases where the patients have made a complete recovery, some take five days, some a few months and some more than a year.

"The best results are attained when the treatment is applied soon after the attack," says Chandrashekar.

"Longer the time interval between the attack and the treatment, longer will be the procedure," he said.

Treating patients using the modified parallel beams, treadmills, and occupational therapy units, many people have regained the use of paralysed limbs.

Bhimappa Gowda, a 56-year-old stroke victim, has been at the clinic for two years.

Once completely paralysed on his left side, he has now regained the use of most of his left hand and leg.

Venkatalakshmi, another stroke patient, entered the clinic bed-ridden and in chronic depression.

Now, she can walk although she has not regained the use of her tongue yet.

She is undergoing speech therapy.

Mr. Chandrashekar said the condition of a stroke patient is worsened by the negative attitude of his or her family, which sees such patients as a burden. Things get complicated when the breadwinner of the family suffers a stroke.

"The family is shattered. If people know what post-stroke care can do to a patient, then things will be much better," he said.

If the family gives enough support to the patient, emotionally and physically, the patient has that much more chance of a speedy recovery.

"A stroke can attack anyone anytime, be it a nine-month-old or an 86-year-old woman. We aim at helping them live their life happily even after an attack," he said.

For details, contact the Agadi Institute for Physical Medicine and Neuro Rehabilitation, 230, 12th Cross, Wilson Garden, Bangalore 560027 (ph: 51207339).

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |