Stroke (Cerebral Vascular Incidents and Other Movement Disorders): Why Prevention and Early Intervention are Important

Annually 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke, 5 million perish and 5 million are left permanently disabled, placing a burden on family, community, and the health care system.  According to the World Stroke Organization (WSO) each year over 62% of strokes occur in people under 70 years of age; each year 47% of all strokes occur in men of all ages, and 53% of all strokes occur in women of all age.   Stroke is no longer considered a disease of the elderly.

The 10 leading stroke risk factors in the world are:

• 56% Elevated Systolic blood pressure
• 31% Poor Diet
• 24 % High Body Mass Index
• 10 % High Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
• 20% High Fasting Glucose
• 8% Kidney Function
• 20% Air Pollution
• 6% Alcohol Use
• 18% Smoking
• 2% Low Physical Activity

An ounce of Prevention for Stroke goes along way:

There are a lot of things which each individual can do to reduce their risk of a stroke; these are as follows:

• Reducing tobacco use, salt, sugar, alcohol consumptions and trans fats
• Encouraging a healthy lifestyle
• Regular stroke awareness and risk factors campaign education
• Affordable healthy food, and physical activity facilities
• Affordable medications with a delivery system that reaches the population affected
• Regular stroke awareness and risk factors campaign education
• Reducing inequities and other social determinants of stroke / cardiovascular disease

Treatments Post Stroke:

• The Neuro-Ifrah Approach
• Occupational and Physical Therapist/Physiotherapist Rehabilitation
• Medications
• Bobath Technique

The Neuro-IFRAH® Approach: A Comprehensive Overview

Neuro-IFRAH® (Neuro-Integrative Functional Rehabilitation and Habilitation) is a specialised and highly effective therapeutic approach designed for the rehabilitation of individuals affected by brain injuries, particularly strokes and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Developed by Waleed Al-Oboudi, this method focuses on improving function and quality of life by addressing the neuroplasticity of the brain and enhancing an individual’s ability to perform daily activities. It is grounded in evidence-based practices, incorporating the latest advances in neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, and motor control theories.

Key Principles of Neuro-IFRAH®

1. Holistic and Patient-Centered

   Neuro-IFRAH emphasises treating the whole person, rather than focusing solely on specific symptoms or impairments. This holistic view incorporates physical, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects of recovery. Each treatment plan is customized to the individual’s unique needs, goals, and abilities.

2. Neuroplasticity as a Foundation

   Central to the Neuro-IFRAH approach is the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This principle suggests that with proper guidance and training, patients can recover lost abilities or regain function by retraining their brain to compensate for damage.
3. Function-Oriented Therapy

   The primary goal of Neuro-IFRAH is to maximize functional independence. Therapists work with patients to improve essential tasks and skills that enhance daily living, such as mobility, balance, and motor control.

4. Multi-Disciplinary Approach

   Neuro-IFRAH encourages collaboration between various healthcare professionals, this team approach ensures comprehensive care, addressing multiple facets of the patient’s condition.

5. Natural Movement and Posture Training

   The Neuro-IFRAH method emphasises natural, functional movements and postures that patients would typically use in everyday life. Therapists help patients develop better movement patterns, focusing on tasks like walking, sitting, standing, and reaching. These functional movements are broken down into manageable steps, helping the patient regain strength and coordination.

6. Education and Empowerment

   An essential part of Neuro-IFRAH is educating both patients and caregivers. By understanding the brain injury, the recovery process, and strategies to improve function, patients become empowered to take an active role in their rehabilitation. This education fosters a sense of control and optimism, which can positively impact outcomes.

Who Can Benefit from Neuro-IFRAH?

Neuro-IFRAH is specifically designed for individuals who have sustained brain injuries, such as strokes or TBI’s. It is suitable for people at various stages of recovery, from the acute phase to long-term rehabilitation. Patients with hemiplegia, impaired motor function, difficulties in coordination, and balance issues may particularly benefit from this approach.

Neuro-IFRAH in Practice

Neuro-IFRAH-trained therapists assess patients through a comprehensive evaluation, determining the specific impairments and functional limitations caused by the brain injury. Based on this assessment, the therapist designs a personalised treatment plan, incorporating a range of techniques that promote recovery of motor function and independence. Therapists work closely with patients in a one-on-one setting, often using adaptive equipment and environmental modifications to enhance safety and independence.

Conclusion

A patient should ideally be seen directly post stroke within 3 weeks to 8 weeks to employ relative techniques and to experience the highest and best possibility of functional gain returns of the shoulder, arm, hands, feet and legs on the affected body side.