What to do post stroke if your muscles don't work as they did before

Berlin (dpa) – After a stroke, your body often no longer behaves as it did before. Often, people experience spastic movement disorders. That can mean This means that the muscles suddenly cramp or stiffen, they are under severe tension and hurt. Which muscles are affected and how exactly they behave varies greatly from one patient to the next. The problem is that spastic movement disorders develop gradually, only becoming apparent weeks or even months after the stroke. "Those who are affected and their relatives are often left to cope on their own, with help either not coming at all or coming too late," says Liz Mohn, President of German Stroke Aid, in a patient guide published by the foundation. Here are some signs to be aware of – and what to do next: How to recognise spasticity A stroke can cause damage to the central nervous system, which affects the muscles and their mobility. Anyone who feels that they are experiencing repeated stiffness, pain or restricted movement in their arms and legs should seek medical advice, says the German Stroke Association. It is best to not only consult your GP, but also visit a specialist in neurology. You can also go to a clinic for movement disorders at a hospital, if there is one nearby. Waiting to see if it gets better on its own is definitely not a good idea. If spasticity is left untreated, the muscles can shorten over time, meaning even less range of motion and even more pain, says the German Stroke Association. The challenges of spasticity Washing your hands, going for a walk or putting on trousers – many everyday activities are difficult with spasticity. Plus, the pain affects your quality of life. And often mental health suffers too. People get frustrated by the fact that their muscles no longer function as usual and that can reduce their self-confidence, and lead to symptoms of depression. Treatment options available Spasticity is not curable, but it is treatable, according to the German Stroke Association. A combination of these three things can provide relief: Treatment with medication: Active ingredients that reduce muscle tension are used, such as baclofen, tizanidine or dantrolene. The therapy should be closely monitored by a doctor, as the medication can cause side effects such as dizziness or severe fatigue. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: Physiotherapy strengthens, stretches and mobilises the affected muscles. Occupational therapy teaches patients how to better cope with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, eating or writing. Individually tailored aids. These may be orthoses, which enclose certain parts of the body – and could for example bring the wrist into a position that makes gripping easier. They could also be insoles or special shoes that reduce the risk of tripping and offer more safety when walking. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn rid amc xxde arw

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