Stroke Rehabilitation and Management

The Stroke Management Clinic at Apollo Hospitals in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, is a centre for carrying out specialised diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention for individuals with stroke. Strokes are considered medical emergencies, and early interventions can minimise brain damage and other complications.

Overview

Stroke cases are becoming more frequent and a concern in India, with studies pointing to an incidence of between 105 and 152 per 100,000 people. At Apollo Hospitals in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, we provide comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation for patients with stroke, ensuring their optimal recovery. Our focus on both immediate and long-term recovery with advanced techniques, including tailoring personalised care plans, makes us distinct from other hospitals.

When to Visit a Stroke Management Clinic

• If you have recently had a stroke and require follow-up care, rehabilitation, and monitoring to prevent further strokes
• If you have risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of smoking
• If you are on medications to prevent stroke, such as blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs
• If you experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or other cognitive problems after a stroke
• If you have been diagnosed with carotid artery disease, which narrows the arteries in the neck supplying blood to the brain

If you experience symptoms like sudden onset of numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, dizziness, loss of balance, or a severe headache, seek immediate emergency care. These could be signs of a stroke, requiring urgent medical attention.

State-of-the-Art Diagnostics and Facilities

• Computed Tomography (CT)
  • CT of the Head
  • CT Angiography (CTA)
  • CT Perfusion (CTP)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • MRI of the Head
  • MRI Angiography (MRA)
  • MRI Perfusion (MRP)
• Doppler Ultrasound
• Transesophageal Echo
• Holter Monitoring up to 1 Week

Treatments and Procedures

• Intravenous (IV) Thrombolysis

The intravenous (IV) thrombolysis procedure uses the administration of clot-busting drugs to treat stroke, such as Alteplase and Tenecteplase, through an IV line.

• Mechanical Thrombectomy

Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used for treating stroke by removing blood clots that block blood flow to the brain. The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter through the blood vessels in the groin. The catheter is navigated to the site of the clot, where specialised instruments at its tip are used to grab and remove the clot, thereby restoring blood flow.

Rehabilitation Services

• Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy mainly focuses on helping stroke patients with their long-term recovery and preventing complications. The therapy involves finding ways to support you and perform routine activities such as getting out of bed, performing sports, and other movements.

• Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps stroke patients improve their overall well-being by enhancing their fine motor skills and cognitive abilities. They also provide emotional support and suggest modifications to their living environment to make it safer and more accessible.

• Speech Therapy

The effects of stroke can impact an individual’s speech and communication capabilities, making it difficult for them to express their emotions or thoughts. Personalised speech therapy is recommended to help regain these abilities, enabling them to effectively communicate with others.

• Swallowing Therapy and Feeding Options

Certain swallowing therapies and feeding options can help patients with stroke improve their ability to swallow and prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Moreover, options like nasogastric tube feeding can be recommended for patients with swallowing difficulties.

• Dietician

Diet plays a crucial role in stroke recovery and prevention. Dieticians make recommendations based on patients nutritional and hydration needs and suggest a personalised diet plan to help them return to health quicker.

• Psychological Support

Stroke can be a life-altering event for most patients, making them vulnerable to distress, anxiety, or depression. Psychologists help patients process these emotions and also support them in rebuilding confidence and their overall quality of life.

• Robot-assisted Therapy

Robotic-assisted therapies use particular devices or exoskeletons that can be useful for patients with motor disorders caused by stroke. These can help deliver high-dosage and high-intensity training, allowing better outcomes.