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What is stroke (cerebrovascular accident)?
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Romania and the leading cause of disability in adults. It can be ischaemic (80% — blood clot) or haemorrhagic (20% — bleeding in the brain).
Every minute counts — the faster the intervention, the greater the chance of recovery. After the acute phase, recovery can take months or years and involves physiotherapy, rehabilitation exercises, speech therapy, and often care in a specialist facility.
Residual effects can include: partial paralysis, speech difficulties, swallowing problems, depression, and cognitive impairment.
Disease stages
Acute phase (0–7 days)
The period immediately after the stroke, usually spent in hospital. The priority is medical stabilisation, prevention of a second stroke and initiation of early rehabilitation. Every hour counts for prognosis.
Sub-acute phase (1–6 months)
The intensive recovery period during which the brain has its greatest capacity for reorganisation (neuroplasticity). Daily physiotherapy, rehabilitation exercises and speech therapy are essential. Many families choose a rehabilitation care home during this phase.
Chronic phase (beyond 6 months)
Recovery continues but at a slower pace. Progress is consolidated and life is adapted to any permanent residual effects. Care focuses on maintaining mobility and preventing recurrence.
Main symptoms
🚨 When to seek medical help
IMMEDIATELY (call emergency services). FAST signs: Face (drooping face), Arms (arm weakness), Speech (slurred speech), Time (time is critical). Every minute without treatment destroys 1.9 million neurons.
Care needs
- Intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises (daily)
- Speech therapy (recovery of speech and swallowing)
- Occupational therapy (relearning daily skills)
- 24/7 medical supervision in the initial phase
- Prevention of complications (pressure ulcers, thrombosis, pneumonia)
- Psychological support (post-stroke depression is common)
Family role
Family is an active partner in post-stroke recovery. Constant presence and encouragement motivate the patient to persevere with rehabilitation exercises. It is important for the family to understand that recovery is a long process with uneven progress, and to manage their expectations accordingly.
Adapted environment and safety
A post-stroke recovery environment must include: grab rails in the bathroom and along corridors, non-slip flooring, sufficient space for walking frames or wheelchairs, height-adjustable beds, and access to a physiotherapy room and rehabilitation equipment.
Prevention
- Control of blood pressure
- Stopping smoking
- Healthy diet, reduced salt intake
- Regular physical exercise
- Control of cholesterol and blood glucose
- Treatment of atrial fibrillation