The World Stroke Day, October 29th, is observed to raise awareness about stroke-related risks. The day educates on prevention and rehabilitation aspects. Being the second most cause of death in the world, it has turned third in the ranking in Bangladesh. According to WHO, Bangladesh recorded 134,166 deaths due to stroke in the year 2020 alone, accounting for 18.74 percent of all deaths occurring in the same year.
The theme for World Stroke Day 2024, “#GreaterThanStroke,” uses sports’ motivational appeal to promote awareness and encourage preventive and rehabilitative actions.
Symptoms and Effects of Stroke
The signs and symptoms of a stroke may include but are not limited to paralysis, weakness on one side, slurred or lost speech, confusion, vision problems, dizziness, and severe headaches. Post-stroke, many experience difficulty with speaking, understanding language, and swallowing, along with loss of memory, problem-solving challenges, and changes in behavior.
Rehabilitation and Solution
Rehabilitation after a stroke is important; it helps the patient learn to live with changes in the brain. The Speech & Language Therapist will work towards restoring speech, language comprehension, and control over muscles for breathing, eating, and swallowing. They also help in solving problems with problem-solving and memory issues and thus are great contributors in post-stroke recovery.
The Role of CRP and the Need for Improvements in Stroke Care
The CRP offers a wide array of rehabilitation programs for stroke survivors, including Speech & Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy. Care after a stroke is given irregularly in Bangladesh, with an increase in the number of rehabilitation personnel and infrastructure required, especially in rural areas.
While Speech & Language Therapy plays a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation, a number of people tend to overlook its importance and therapy is still not widely available. The Rehabilitation Council of Bangladesh Act, 2018 had decided that anyone with a Bachelor of Science in Speech & Language Therapy from Faculty of Medicine of any recognized University, a five-year course, would be required to render proper service. To the misfortune of many, the licensure process has not been initiated and this causes many patients to go without treatment thereby putting them at a risk of receiving substandard care.
Prevention
Prevention of stroke involves regular physical activity, plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean weight, and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol. Optimally controlled blood pressure, management of heart disease and diabetes, and a healthy diet are crucial to reducing the risk of stroke.
Creating awareness, expanding access to qualified therapy, and strengthening health infrastructure-all of these go hand-in-hand with improved care for Bangladeshi stroke sufferers. So, on this World Stroke Day, let us commit to accessible and effective rehabilitation and the prevention of stroke for all.
The writer is Clinical Speech & Language Therapist, CRP, and Member of SSLT. She can be reached at ftriya400@gmail.com
