New Hope for Stroke Sufferers

Chiropractic neurology is gaining popularity in the treatment of many conditions, from vertigo to headaches, pain management and traumatic brain injury to name a few. But did you know that this drug-free, non-invasive treatment is also helping stroke victims? The brain-based therapy that composes chiropractic neurology uses very precise adjustments and instruments to stimulate brain function, essentially restoring the brain to good working order, a blessing for stroke victims.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC), strokes account for approximately one of every 18 deaths in the US each year, making it one of the leading causes of death. Another 795,000 people suffer strokes and around 610,000 of those are new strokes while one in four are recurrent strokes. Nearly 90% are ischemic strokes, caused when blood clots block the blood vessels to the brain. 

There are many factors that play a role in the risk of stroke. Race and age play a significant role, with African Americans risk of stroke at nearly twice that of whites. Although strokes can occur at any age, as we age, so does out risk of stroke; in 2009 66% of stroke patients were over the age of 65. Other medical conditions such as obesity, poor diet, excessive alcohol use and a sedentary lifestyle can also be contributing factors.

The key to surviving a stroke is to learn the signs and symptoms and to act fast. The following symptoms should serve as warning signs and the person experiencing the symptoms should seek immediate medical help.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

While the best treatment is prevention, if one suffers a stroke, post-stroke rehabilitation is key to helping patients prevent or overcome disabilities from the stroke. New advances in rehabilitation show that the brain is capable of compensating for some loss of function due to stroke and advances in research and brain-based therapy techniques are offering new hope and marked improvement for many patients.

While many stroke rehab programs are limited in time, whether due to cost, insurance coverage or dated practices, chiropractic neurology rehab programs are patient-specific, and last as long as necessary to find the root of the problem and fix it. Our brain a a miraculous tool and with the proper care, stroke victims can enjoy huge gains in returning their bodies to their natural function with the correct treatments. Chiropractic neurology utilizes cutting-edge methods that aims to provide patients with the maximum recovery and a return to the best quality of life, free from drugs. If you would like to learn more about our stroke recovery programs, please contact the office today.

For a complete list of leading stroke factors, and an interactive tool to learn about the top 20 risk factors, click here to visit the National Stroke Association’s website.