Stroke is one of the biggest causes of death and disability. Those who survive this dreadful disease may find their lives totally changed.
Life after suffering a stroke can be a constant battle- Kathryn Borg
Sometimes they can cope alone; however, mostly they are disabled in some way and require help and support. More importantly, their mental health suffers due to the stress a stroke causes to people who were active, both mentally and physically.
Life after suffering a stroke can be a constant battle, and conventional treatments don’t always help recovery, or the enforced change in lifestyle. Fortunately, a number of alternative and complementary therapies (in particular creative arts therapies together with mind and body techniques) are showing considerable promise in treating stroke and reversing some of the devastating damage caused.
Patients in a study carried out in Finland benefited from listening to music for a few hours every day. This was found to boost brain function and emotional recovery in the early stages following a stroke.
Comparisons were made with a control group and patients who listened to music of their own choice. Other members of the control group either listened to audio books or nothing at all.
The group who listened to music found they were less depressed and confused than the control groups and this benefit was still evident six months later. The researchers believed that music has a long term effect on brain function and mood (Brain, 2008).
Many other studies have had similar results, the precise mechanisms as to why there is success with this therapy is unclear but one possibility is that music directly stimulates the recovery in damaged areas of the brain. Together with the positive emotions the music elicits, there may be a more efficient brain neuronal signalling.
Other stroke patients benefitted from singing. In fact, there is a specific therapy called melodic intonation therapy (MIT) which involves making patients sing words and phrases. This has helped, in particular, where the ability to speak or understand language has been lost during the stroke.
New types of therapy which combine with technology are being provided to support recovery of stroke victims. One of these is virtual reality and interactive video-games. The therapy involves using computer-based programmes that are designed to simulate real life objects and events.
The Cochrane Collaboration looked at 19 trials of this type of therapy and found that virtual reality may be useful for improving motor function and the ability to cope with everyday activities. The comparison was made with the conventional therapy on arm function and the results of interactive virtual reality games.
It was found that the games were a superior treatment. It also resulted in a slightly greater ability to manage normal activities such as showering and dressing. (Cochrane Database Syst. Rev., 2011).
Exercise is always encouraged for the stroke victims who can manage to carry out some form of movement. However, Tai Chi, the traditional Chinese technique which combines deep breathing, relaxation and slow postural movement, has proved successful.
Research has shown improved balance, lower blood pressure and improved mood, all key issues for those who survive strokes (Top Stroke Rehabil., 2007).
Many studies have been carried out. One, in particular, found significant improvements to balance after four hours of Tai Chi over a 12-week period (the control group showed no improvement). Significantly these improvements continued for up to six weeks after the Tai Chi had stopped (Neurorehabil. Neural Repair, 2009).
A technique which involves visualising a desired physical outcome has been successful in many medical settings, including stroke patients. This technique is known as guided imagery.
In a study with chronic stroke patients the group was split and half carried out guided imagery, which involved mentally practising specific arm movements. After six weeks, the group instructed to carry out the mental practice showed significant reductions in their arm impairment and significant improvements in their daily arm function (Stroke, 2007).
Finally, it is important to reduce the risk of suffering a further stroke so lifestyle changes should be considered. They include the usual healthy lifestyle choices such as eating more fruit and vegetables. Research has shown that this dietary improvement can lower the risk by 11 per cent (Lancet, 2006).
Exercising regularly is another lifestyle improvement as sedentary people have twice the risk of stroke compared to those who are active. Obesity is a known risk factor, so maintaining a healthy weight is vital too.
In particular, abdominal fat appears to be an important factor (especially in men) as well as the overall body mass.
Alcohol in moderation can protect against stroke, smoking is a known risk factor and keeping stress to a moderate level are all lifestyle issues which can contribute to stroke occurring.
Eating whole grains and good fats (oily fish rich in omega 3) together with a few walnuts each day have also proved beneficial (Stroke, 1995).
Stroke is affecting more and more people both young and old, it is important we look at our lifestyles to help eliminate the risk and support recovery if family or friends have suffered from a stroke.
kathryn@maltanet.net