Stroke Risk Factors, Signs, and Rehabilitation

Every 40 seconds in the United States someone has a stroke; nearly 800,000 American adults will suffer a stroke this year alone. Approximately 75% of those people will require some type of therapy after the incident.

HealthSource Saginaw is a leading destination for people requiring stroke rehabilitation. Some of the technologies available at HealthSource include:

Interactive Metronome
Interactive Metronome works with timing in your brain and promotes your brain’s ability to change as a result. It helps to restore the connections in the brain that control everything from language and concentration to memory and motor skills. The best part is the therapy is fun and engaging.

Vital Stimulation Therapy
The VitalStim® Therapy System is used with patients that have difficulty swallowing. The Speech-Language Pathologist will apply the VitalStim® using an electrical current to stimulate muscles while simultaneously working with the patient on functional muscle movement and swallowing.

Bioness Systems
HealthSource Saginaw’s rehabilitation team uses two different Bioness systems in the recovery process, the Bioness L300 and H200. The Ness H200 works on the muscles in the forearm and hand to make reaching, grasping, opening and closing the hand possible. The Ness L300 has a gait sensor that adapts to changes in walking speed and terrain, allowing you to walk easily on stairs, grass and carpet, and can help you eliminate the need for awkward foot or ankle braces, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

HELP REDUCE YOUR RISK OF STROKE

  • Lifestyle Risk Factors
    • Smoking doubles the risk of stroke compared to non-smokers, ask your doctor about programs available to help you quit.
    • Use alcohol in moderation, limiting consumption to 1 drink a day.
    • Maintain an active lifestyle and have a work out plan.
    • A healthy diet can help not only reduce the chance of stroke but also reduce the risk of other chronic diseases.
  • Medical Risk Factors
    High blood pressure, Atrial Fibrillation, high cholesterol, Diabetes, and circulation problems all put you at a higher risk of stroke, but these risk factors are treatable by medications and special diets. Talk to your healthcare professional about options available and together come up with a plan that best fits you.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF STROKE
If someone has one or more of these symptoms, BE FAST and call 911 immediately

Balance – Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
EYES – Sudden trouble seeing that persists and/or double or blurred vision.
FACE – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.  Is their speech slurred or strange?
TIME – Take note of when symptoms began and Call 911 immediately to get medical help.

Our comprehensive rehabilitation program is available for inpatient or outpatient care, providing cutting edge technology to lead the way to recovery.