Stroke
Stroke is defined as a neurological deficit of sudden onset which results from cerebrovascular disease and persists for longer than 24 hours (DTB 1998). Stroke is very common, with, for example, around 110,000 people each year in England alone experiencing a first or recurrent episode (DH 2007). Consequences of stroke can include disability and early death, and the condition costs the UK economy around £7billion annually (NICE 2008).
Following treatment of acute stroke, patients are advised of lifestyle changes that can help to prevent a further vascular event. These include smoking cessation, weight reduction for those who are overweight, reducing dietary salt intake, taking regular exercise and avoiding excess alcohol. They are also considered for drug therapy, such as antiplatelets, a statin and antihypertensives, to prevent further vascular events.
Your treatment plan
After a thorough medical history and examination procedure treatment needs to address the underlying causes and any exacerbating factors.
Acupuncture
Certain acupuncture points have been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the ‘analytical’ brain, which is responsible for anxiety (1). Acupuncture can also be safely combined with conventional treatments and medications. Customised dietary and lifestyle changes will be discussed where needed.
Massage
A combination of bodywork such as tui na, acupressure, massage, reflexology, relaxation, breathing and mindful awareness exercises are also a core strategy that has proven helpful for many people.
Other Lifestyle factors - Creating restful sleep patterns, making sure you have the right diet, nutrients and nourishing eating habits are also key, as well as addressing any emotional issues that may be involved.
British Acupuncture Research Fact Sheets - For further information please take a look at the related issues section on the right hand-side of the screen.
- Wu MT et al. Central nervous pathway for acupuncture stimulation: localization of processing with functional MR imaging of the brain-- preliminary experience. Radiology 1999; 212: 133-41.