Cerebrovascular disease, or what is called Stroke, is a medical emergency that may affect life severely if treatment is not received in good time. In Thailand it is found that there are more patients with this disease every year, particularly in the group of working people who have high stress, and older people. Understanding the causes, the symptoms, and the correct approach to restoration is therefore extremely important
What is Stroke: getting to know the silent danger near us
Coming to understand cerebrovascular disease is the important first step in preventing and dealing with this emergency state. Basic knowledge will help us be able to be aware of the risk and be prepared to deal with it suitably
The definition of Stroke, or cerebrovascular disease
Stroke is a state arising from the interruption of the current of blood going to nourish the brain, making the brain lack oxygen and nutrients, with the result that the cells of the brain can be damaged or die. The symptoms of a stroke show themselves in various forms, depending on the area of the brain that has been affected. Cerebrovascular disease is a state that must receive treatment immediately in order to reduce the damage that may arise to the body
The importance and the interesting statistics in Thailand
In Thailand, cerebrovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death and is an important cause of permanent disability. Statistics show that Thai people have more risk of a stroke arising, because of the change of lifestyle, the consumption of food that has high fat and sodium, as well as the lack of exercise
The warning signals and the symptoms of Stroke that must be known immediately (the principle of B.E. F.A.S.T.)
One of the most important things in dealing with cerebrovascular disease is knowing the warning signals of a stroke and the various symptoms that appear. The principle of B.E. F.A.S.T. is an easy method that will help us remember and identify the symptoms quickly
Balance (B) - loss of balance, acute dizziness the patient may have symptoms of walking unsteadily, falling over, or feeling that the world is spinning, without a clear cause
Eyes (E) - blurred eyes, seeing double images or going dark on one side abnormal seeing acutely, such as seeing a double image, or going dark and blind on one side or the other
Face (F) - the face twisted on one half, the corner of the mouth drooping a twisted face, the corner of the mouth drooping on one side or the other, which can be tested by having the patient smile
Arm (A) - the arm and the leg weak on one half, unable to be raised the arm and the leg on one side or the other weak or numb acutely, which can be tested by having them raise both arms up
Speech (S) - speaking unclearly, speaking with difficulty, or not understanding what is heard speech that is distorted, unclear, or not being able to understand the words of others
Time (T) - time is the most important thing; there must be a quick going to the hospital when any one of the symptoms above is found, the patient must quickly be taken to the hospital immediately
How many types does cerebrovascular disease have?
Classifying the types of cerebrovascular disease is an important thing that will help in understanding the causes and the suitable methods of treatment. Each type has a different character and method of treatment
A narrowed or blocked blood vessel of the brain (Ischemic Stroke)
This type arises from the blood vessel going to nourish the brain being narrowed or blocked, making the blood going to nourish the brain insufficient. It can be found in about 80% of all stroke patients. The cause usually arises from a blood clot or from cholesterol that goes and blocks the blood vessel
A burst blood vessel of the brain (Hemorrhagic Stroke)
It arises from a blood vessel in the brain bursting or leaking, making blood flow out into the substance of the brain, creating pressure and destroying the surrounding brain tissue. This type is more severe and has a higher rate of death
A state of the brain temporarily lacking blood (Transient Ischemic Attack - TIA)
It is a state in which the symptoms are similar to a stroke but go away by themselves within a short period of time. It is usually called a "Mini Stroke". Although the symptoms go away, it is an important warning signal that the patient has a high risk of a real stroke arising in the future
Who is the risk group: the causes and the factors that make a Stroke arise
Understanding the various risk factors will help us be able to prevent and reduce the chance of cerebrovascular disease arising effectively. The risk factors are divided into two main types
The risk factors that cannot be controlled
These factors are things we cannot change, namely increasing age — particularly after the age of 55 years, the risk increases twofold every 10 years — the male sex, which has a higher risk than the female sex in young people, and a family history of having had cerebrovascular disease
The risk factors that can be controlled
These factors can be controlled and prevented by changing behaviour. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor, then diabetes, high fat in the blood, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight, and the lack of exercise
The restoration of Stroke patients in order to come back to living once again
After passing through the stage of acute treatment, restoration is the important thing that will help the patient be able to come back to living close to normally. Stroke restoration must be done continuously and systematically
Why restoration is important, and the golden period (Golden Period)
Restoration that begins early after the symptoms have become stable gives the best result, particularly in the first 6 months after a stroke, which is called the "golden period". It is the period in which the brain is best able to adapt and create new connections
Physiotherapy (PT : Physical Therapist): training movement and balance
The training of the strength of the muscles, of balance, and of the movement of the joints, so that the patient is able to walk, sit, stand, and do basic activities. At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic there are physiotherapists who have passed specialised training in the field of rehabilitation medicine, together with modern instruments and techniques of treatment, such as stimulation with electromagnetic waves (PMS) and treatment with high-power laser light, in order to hasten the process of restoration of the nervous system and the muscles
Occupational therapy (OT : Occupational Therapist): training the doing of the daily routine
The training of the patient to be able to do daily activities, such as eating, dressing, and bathing, so that they can be done by themselves. Our clinic has occupational therapists with experience in caring for stroke patients in particular, who assess and design a programme of training that suits the state and the needs of each patient, so that they can go back to living with quality
Speech therapy (SLP : Speech Language Pathologist): training speaking and swallowing
For patients who have problems in the field of speaking, understanding language, or swallowing, the training of speech therapy will help improve these skills. At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic we have speech correction specialists with expertise in caring for stroke patients who have problems in the field of communication, the training of making sounds, the use of language, and the swallowing of food, with techniques and programmes of training adjusted to suit the state of each patient, so that they can communicate and eat food safely and effectively
Neurological internal medicine (Neurologist): caring for the nervous system and preventing complications
Stroke patients usually must receive continuous care from a physician of neurological internal medicine, or a brain doctor, in order to follow the symptoms of the nervous system, adjust the medicine, and prevent a stroke arising again. At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic we work together with a network of physicians of neurological internal medicine with expertise, so that patients receive complete care, both the following of the result of the treatment, the adjusting of suitable medicine, the prevention of complications, and the assessment of the risk of a stroke arising again, in order to be confident that the patient receives the best care in every dimension
The setting of food (RD : Registered Dietitian): planning nutrition for restoration
Receiving suitable nutrients is an important part of restoration after a stroke, particularly for patients who have problems of swallowing or must control an underlying disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. A dietitian with expertise in planning nutrition for stroke patients takes into account the safety in eating, the need for energy for restoration, and the control of the risk factors that may make a stroke arise again, in order to support the process of restoration so that it has the highest effectiveness
A psychologist (Psychologist): caring for mental health and adaptation
A stroke arising usually has a great effect on the mind, both on the patient and on the family. The patient may have symptoms of depression, anxiety, or refusal of the treatment, which affects the success of the restoration. A psychologist who gives care in the field of mental health and adaptation for stroke patients and their families helps the patient have the heart for restoration, learn the way of dealing with the change that has arisen, and create the motivation to live life with quality, together with giving consultation to the family in caring for and giving suitable support
PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic, a comprehensive centre of restoration at the level of a hospital
PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic (PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic) is a clinic specialising in the field of rehabilitation medicine that has a standard equivalent to a department of rehabilitation medicine in a large hospital, with a team of physicians specialised in the branch of rehabilitation medicine, physiotherapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), and speech correction specialists (SLP) with high experience, together with modern instruments and equipment
What makes us distinguished is the giving of the service of intensive restoration (Intensive Rehabilitation), which can raise the level of the restoration so that a dose of up to 4 hours a day, 5 days a week is received, with a team that works together, together with seeing specialist physicians in one place as a One Stop Service, equivalent to intensive restoration for inpatients in a hospital, but in the form of an outpatient, which is more convenient and flexible, in order to give a service of restoration that is comprehensive and of the highest effectiveness for stroke patients and for those who have problems in the field of movement
The methods of preventing cerebrovascular disease (Stroke Prevention)
Prevention is always the best thing, because it is better than treatment. Changing behaviour and caring for health regularly can reduce the risk significantly
Changing the behaviour of living - exercising regularly, controlling weight, consuming beneficial food with reduced sodium and saturated fat, giving up smoking, and reducing the drinking of alcohol
Controlling underlying diseases - controlling the blood pressure, the level of sugar in the blood, and the fat in the blood so that they are within the normal standard, taking medicine on time and as the physician prescribes
The annual health examination - a regular health examination will help find the various risk factors early, and they can be prevented or treated in good time
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can a Stroke arise in people of young age?
Although it is found less than in older people, a stroke can arise in people of young age, particularly those who have risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease
If there are symptoms of a Stroke, what should be done first?
The patient must quickly be taken to the hospital immediately, particularly within the first 4.5 hours, in which medicine to dissolve the blood clot can still be given. Do not let the patient eat, drink, or take any medicine
How long does the restoration take?
Restoration is a process that takes a long time, which may be from several months to several years, depending on the severity and the area that has been affected. Continuous restoration and support from the family are important things
A summary of the article
Cerebrovascular disease, or Stroke, is an emergency state that must receive treatment in good time. Knowing the preliminary symptoms according to the principle of B.E. F.A.S.T. and understanding the various risk factors will help us be able to prevent and deal with it suitably. Restoration after a stroke must be done continuously and systematically, with a multidisciplinary team caring for it together. What is important is prevention, which can be done by changing the behaviour of living and caring for health regularly
If there is a doubt or a need for help concerning restoration after a stroke, an expert physician in the field of rehabilitation medicine should be consulted in order to receive suitable and comprehensive care. At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic we are ready, with a team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists with experience in caring for stroke patients, with modern technology and instruments, in order to help patients be able to restore themselves and come back to living with quality
Further information can be enquired about at
📞 Contacting to enquire or to reserve a place for an appointment: (+66) 88 589 0896