About Stroke
A stroke is a disorder that involves the brain, the blood vessels of brain, and the lack of blood flow. A stroke occurs when vessels of the brain become blocked or ruptured.
Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the world. It tends to affect women more than men. Minorities are at a higher risk of suffering from a stroke. High blood pressure is the most common contributing factor.
Hemorrhagic stroke accounts for about 20% of strokes. This type of stroke involves the rupture of a blood vessel leading to bleeding in and around the brain. As the blood comes in contact with brain tissue, it irritates the tissue and, over time, can cause scar tissue to form in the brain, which sometimes can lead to seizures.
Hemorrhagic strokes have a sudden onset and often include: a severe headache, muscle weakness, paralysis, decreased or loss of feeling on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion, problems with vision, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination, nausea, and vomiting.
Testing to confirm a hemorrhagic stroke includes CT scan, MRI, blood tests, and sometimes EEG or a spinal tap. Immediate treatment will focus on controlling the bleeding and reducing any pressure that has developed in the brain. Management can also include medication or surgery, followed by a course of rehabilitation therapy.
Some will recover without any long-term problems while others may have more serious problems. Timing is key, in that immediate treatment is necessary to minimize damage.
New Research Shows Chiropractic May Help
Recent research reported in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in helping patients following a stroke.
The patient reported on in this study was a 50-year-old female suffering from a stroke caused from her prescribed medications. She suffered from left arm paralysis and as a result she expressed having a “lack confidence in her abilities, a lack of independence, cognitive difficulties, feeling generally tired and weak, prone to mood swings and not coping with cold temperatures.” In addition, she developed headaches and neck pain.
The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck, mid and low back. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. Other testing revealed decreased strength and muscle dysfunction.
The woman was adjusted by the chiropractor and she experienced improvement in her arm motion, posture, muscle strength, and regained confidence in herself. The study’s authors called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population of patients.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Improved Motor Function & Decreased Dysponesis Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. David Russell, BSc (Psych), BSc (Chiro), Cert TT & Matthew Doyle BSc (Neuro), BAppSc/BChiroSc, MSc AP Paed Chiro, GCTEd. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ May 13, 2019 ~ Pages 59-65
