Stroke Rehabilitation Program is imperative for Stroke patients

·         India witnesses a 100% increase in the incidences of stroke

·         Post-stroke, home rehab and therapy centres are the best options for recovery

06 May, Mumbai, 2020: In India, Stroke is the most common cause of mortality and chronic adult disability is one of the largest contributors to the total burden of mortality. It has been observed that incidences of stroke in India have increased by nearly 100% while developed countries witness a drop of 42%. 

According to WHO, globally,stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability.[1]Recent data shows that about 15% of strokes occur in people <45 years of age and currently, India is facing a double burden, as experts are concerned about the emerging stroke epidemic in India. Despite its enormous impact on socio-economic development, this growing crisis has received very little attention to date.

There is limited evidence available regarding the patients’ journey during the period and discharge from hospital post-stroke. Additionally, the lack of organized stroke rehabilitation and recovery services, coupled with a patient’s condition, makes accessibility a huge challenge.

Dr. Shirish Hastak, Neurologist, Global Hospitals, Mumbai stresses on the necessity of post-stroke rehabilitation, “The severity of stroke and its complications varies in each person, the ability to recover is different.  In a moderate or severe stroke an early and systematic comprehensive rehabilitation post-stroke program can help the patient to relearn skills and regain independence sooner.”

Understanding Stroke and Importance of Post Stroke Rehabilitation

Common symptoms of Stroke are: 1.       Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg 2.       Trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech 3.       Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes 4.       Dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination 5.       Impairment or loss of consciousness

A stroke potentially is a life-threatening conditionarising when the brain is disrupted through either a blocked blood vessel in the brain (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured or burst blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).

Stroke can happen to anyone, therefore, post-stroke rehabilitation and therapeutic care at home and clinics play an important part as these programs increase patients’ chances of better recovery and resumption of their daily activities with minimal support.

Experts believe that post-stroke, home rehaband therapy centres are the best options for recovery. However, as per the study, for 80 lakh existing patients and 10 lakh new patients (per year,) there are only 35,000 physiotherapists. Therefore, a paradigm shift in the way Neurorehab is delivered to patients is required.

SynPhNe India is one of the key players in the market that provide wearable technology solutions that can help patients with post-stroke rehabilitation among many others.

Stroke can be effectively managed by recent advances in the technology and strict adherence to the treatment. The high prevalence of stroke in India is an alarm for an urgent need to systematically monitor the prevalence of stroke in India and develop strategies to reduce preventable morbidity, mortality and adverse economic consequences due to stroke.

[1]https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/94/9/16-181636/en/