Stroke
On this page: How VCI Mobility Can Help, Resources
Strokes are the third leading cause of death in America, killing approximately 144,000 people each year. Strokes are also a leading cause of adult disability, and the number one cause of Cerebral Palsy in children born full-term. A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs.
When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, memory and movement. The level to which an individual is affected by a stroke depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.
Individuals who have experienced a small stroke may experience only minor problems such as weakness of an arm or leg. People who have experienced a large stroke may be paralyzed on one side or may lose their ability to speak. While some people may recover completely from a stroke, more than 2/3rds of survivors will have some type of a disability. A survivor of childhood stroke may have additional disabilities.
According to the National Stroke Association, approximately 495,000 strokes will occur this year (2009). Some risk factors for stroke are controllable, while others are not. The following are the things you can not control;
- Age: A stroke can happen to anyone, including children, but the risk for stroke doubles after the age of 55.
- Gender: Strokes are more common in women than in men (Approximately 55,000 more women have strokes than men each year).
- Race: African Americans have twice the risk for stroke than Caucasians. Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders also have a higher risk rate.
- Family History: If strokes run in the family, the risk rate is higher.
- Previous Stroke: If an individual has already had a stroke or a mini-stroke, they have a 25-40% chance of having another stroke in the next 5 years.
Two different types of strokes exist; ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. About 87% of all strokes are ischemic. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks leaking blood into the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes accounts for 13% of all strokes, yet are responsible for more than 30% of all stroke deaths.
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovering from a stroke. Through rehabilitation, you relearn or regain basic skills such as speaking, eating, dressing or walking. Rehabilitation can be done in a hospital, in a sub acute care unit, a specialized rehabilitation hospital, with home therapy, outpatient therapy or in a long-term care facility.
How VCI Mobility Can Help
As the mobility needs of each individual affected by stroke are unique, so are the products that VCI Mobility can provide. Whether you need adaptive driving aids, assistive seating or an accessible vehicle, VCI Mobility is your one-stop mobility resource. Our experienced Mobility Consultants will work with you to determine how your condition may change over the years, in order to ensure that we provide you with the best possible mobility solution.