MossRehab Offers Important Tips on Stroke Risks, Signs and Rehabilitation

Elkins Park, PA, April 26, 2004 — Do you or someone you care about smoke … consume alcohol … carry a bit of excessive weight? Is there high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and/or high cholesterol lurking in your family tree? If so, you or a loved one may be at risk for stroke, the leading cause of disability among adults and the third leading cause of death in the United States.

According to the National Stroke Association, every 45 seconds someone suffers a stroke. A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when a blood vessel leading to or inside the brain becomes blocked or when a weak spot in the vessel ruptures. "Depending on the area of the brain affected and the extent of damage, individuals may experience temporary or permanent deficits in such areas as movement, vision, speech, memory, swallowing, and the ability to perform daily activities," explained Arthur Gershkoff, MD, Clinical Director, Stroke and Neurologic Diseases, MossRehab. “Seeking prompt medical attention at the first signs of a stroke, however, can make all the difference.”

According to Dr. Gershkoff, some of the key warning signs of stroke, includes:

- A sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm and/or leg on one side of the body
- Sudden blurring or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
- Loss of speech and/or trouble speaking or understanding others speak
- Sudden onset of severe headaches
- Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden falls, especially when accompanied by other symptoms

For individuals who have experienced a stroke, there is good news. “Continuing advances in medical treatment and rehabilitation are providing a more optimistic outlook for stroke survivors,” said Dr. Gershkoff. “In fact, once deemed medially stable by their attending physicians, the vast majority of stroke patients who have the opportunity—and who deserve the opportunity—to participate in an intensive rehabilitation program return to a good quality of life.”

A comprehensive stroke rehabilitation program is designed to help the patient restore the highest level of function and independence as possible. Each treatment program is individualized according to each patient’s specific needs and involves a dedicated team of physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, recreational therapists and psychologists, all working in tandem with a physiatrist, a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

The overall success of any stroke rehabilitation program, however, depends upon many variables including the severity of the individual’s brain damage, the degree of resulting impairment, and the timely intervention from a skilled medical and rehabilitation professionals. But, as Dr. Gershkoff states, “Stroke rehabilitation works best when the patient, family, and rehabilitation staff work together as a team.”

Recognized as a national leader in medical rehabilitation, MossRehab provides high-quality, compassionate medical care for individuals with physical disabilities. MossRehab offers a wide range of specialized services, including comprehensive programs for brain and spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation and orthopaedic conditions. MossRehab has two main facilities – MossRehab at Elkins Park at 60 East Township Line Road in Elkins Park, PA, and MossRehab at 1200 West Tabor Road in Philadelphia. It also operates inpatient units, outpatient sites and various community programs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. For more information, call 1-800-CALL MOSS or visit www.einstein.edu/mossrehab.

Publish date: April 26, 2004