A stroke, clinically called a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted by a blocked blood vessel or when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in or around the brain. The resulting hypoxia and loss of nutrients can damage or kill brain cells.<\/p>\n
The term ischemic stroke is used if caused by an occluded (blocked) vessel. The term hemorrhagic stroke is used if caused by a blood vessel bursting.<\/p>\n
Many patients may experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke. A TIA causes temporary stroke-like symptoms and is a medical emergency even if those symptoms disappear. It may be a warning of an increased risk of a future stroke, but there is no way to determine initially whether a person is experiencing a TIA or a major stroke. Call 911 immediately for any stroke symptoms.<\/p>\n
In a First Aid class, students will learn the mnemonic FAST to help one quickly recognize if someone is having a stroke. FAST stands for:<\/p>\n
Face:<\/strong> Stand in front of the patient. Notice any unilateral changes or drooping of the face.<\/p>\n Arm:<\/strong> Ask the patient to lift both arms in front of their body. Notice unilateral weakness of an arm upon this movement.<\/p>\n Speech:<\/strong> Have the patient speak to you. Notice any slurred or impaired speech.<\/p>\n Time:<\/strong> Do not delay in contacting 911 for medical assistance.<\/p>\n Other possible warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, difficulty seeing, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking or a severe headache with no known cause.<\/p>\n If a client develops signs of a stroke during a massage session:<\/p>\n Do not elevate the person\u2019s legs as a routine response to a suspected stroke. Follow the instructions provided by the 911 dispatcher.<\/p>\n Stroke treatment depends heavily on whether the stroke is ischemic (due to a blood clot) or hemorrhagic (due to bleeding). Additionally, when symptoms first arose and the person\u2019s overall condition are factors to consider.<\/p>\n Doctors may manage:<\/p>\n Depending on the cause, doctors may prescribe medications such as:<\/p>\n These medications are not interchangeable, and aspirin or blood thinners should not be started on your own after a suspected stroke because they can be dangerous in a hemorrhagic stroke.<\/p>\n Once medically stable, rehabilitation is a major part of recovery. It commonly includes:<\/p>\n Rehabilitation can begin in the hospital and continue through inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient therapy or home-based therapy, depending on the patient\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n Massage and bodywork can be used as complementary therapy after a stroke. These should complement, not replace, stroke rehabilitation such as physical and occupational therapy. Current stroke guidelines emphasize individualized, coordinated rehabilitation, while treatments for spasticity<\/a> focus on stretching, range-of-motion work, movement, medications, injections and other targeted therapies.<\/p>\n Research concerning massage for stroke survivors remains limited. A 2021 systematic review found some evidence that massage, when provided in addition to conventional treatment, may help improve motor function and reduce spasticity. However, the included studies varied in quality and treatment methods, so massage should not be presented as a stand-alone treatment or a proven method of restoring neurological function.<\/p>\n Spasticity is common after stroke and can cause stiff, painful muscles and abnormal positioning. The American Stroke Association recommends assessment by a healthcare professional. Treatment may include combinations of stretching, exercise, medications, botulinum toxin, electrical stimulation, braces and other interventions, depending on severity.<\/p>\n Massage should generally be gentle rather than aggressive. Deep tissue work, forceful stretching, rapid joint manipulation or trying to \u201cbreak up\u201d a contracted muscle can be inappropriate. When medically appropriate, light face and scalp massage may provide comfort, encourage relaxation and help ease muscular tension.<\/p>\nWhat to Do During a Suspected Stroke<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
Common Medical Treatments<\/h2>\n
Common Treatments<\/h3>\n
1. Emergency Treatment<\/h4>\n
\n
2. Hospital Medical Care<\/h4>\n
\n
3. Medications to Prevent Another Stroke<\/h4>\n
\n
4. Rehabilitation<\/h4>\n
\n
Massage Considerations<\/h2>\n
Potential Uses of Gentle Massage and Bodywork<\/h3>\n
\n
Be Particularly Careful With Spasticity<\/h3>\n