Health Knowledge: Types of Stroke in Malaysia

January 26, 2021
types of stroke

A stroke is a condition whereby the blood vessel to the brain is blocked or ruptured. This causes insufficient oxygen content in the brain, damaging the brain tissue. When a part of the brain tissue dies, the function of that tissue is lost.

 

When a person suffers from a stroke, prompt treatment is crucial to reduce brain damage and other complications. Otherwise, it can cause severe disability.

 

In Malaysia, stroke has become a public health concern as it can occur in anyone. Additionally, statistics show that cerebrovascular disease such as stroke is the third principal cause of death among Malaysians. It accounts for 8% of the more than 100,000 medically-certified deaths in the year 2019.

 

In 2001, The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that there were over 20.5 million stroke cases worldwide. Today, the number of deaths due to stroke accounts for five times that, along with other non-communicable diseases.

 



Symptoms of stroke

If you or someone you know shows signs of having a stroke, pay attention to them when the symptoms appear. Some treatments are only effective when given soon after a stroke. The signs and symptoms of a stroke include:

  • Trouble speaking and understanding – Slurred words or difficulty understanding what other people say.
  • Paralysis or numbness on the face, arm, or leg – Stroke often affects one side of the body, causing sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
  • Problems seeing in one or both eyes – Sudden experience of blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes.
  • Headache – Sudden severe headache with no obvious cause.
  • Trouble walking – Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance and coordination. May be accompanied by dizziness.

 



Causes of stroke

The blood supplies oxygen to the brain by travelling through blood vessels known as arteries. When any of the arteries to the brain is blocked, it causes an ischaemic stroke to occur. If the artery to the brain is ruptured, it can cause haemorrhagic stroke.

 



Types of stroke

Generally, there are two causes of stroke – a blocked artery or ruptured blood vessel. In some cases, there may be a temporary disruption of the blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Here are the three types of stroke – ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischaemic attack.

 


1.   Ischaemic stroke

An artery blockage is often the cause of an ischaemic stroke. This happens when an artery to the brain becomes narrow or experiences a blockage, depriving the brain of blood and oxygen. As a result, the brain tissue dies and stops functioning. The blockage is often associated with fatty build-ups or blood clots, which over time cause the blood vessel to become narrow.



2.   Haemorrhagic stroke

When a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, it leaks and spills blood into brain tissue, causing the affected brain cells to stop working. Brain haemorrhages can result from a variety of conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, trauma, protein deposits on blood vessel walls, overtreatment with anticoagulants, bulges at weak spots in blood vessel walls, and ischaemic stroke.


 

3.   Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

Often referred to as a ‘mini-stroke’, a transient ischaemic attack is a short-lived stroke (within 24 hours) which improves spontaneously. It’s typically caused by a temporary decrease in blood supply to a part of the brain. Like an ischaemic stroke, a TIA occurs when there’s a blockage in the blood vessels to the brain. It can also be a warning sign of a future stroke.

 

Between the year 2009 and 2016, ischaemic stroke accounts for 76% of the registered stroke cases in Malaysia while haemorrhagic stroke accounts for 17% of the cases. TIA accounts for 2% of the registered cases.

 

Regardless of how healthy you are, there’s no knowing when a stroke can happen to you. It can be due to various factors such as lifestyle habits, medical conditions, age, sex, and family history.

 



Stroke Treatment and Prevention

Now that you've learnt about the symptoms and types of stroke, knowing your risk factors, following your doctor’s recommendations, and adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial to prevent future stroke. This includes:

  1. - Getting admitted to the hospital after suffering from a stroke to understand the cause and extent of possible brain damage.
  2. - Undergoing an operation when needed to stop the bleeding or remove the blood clot.
  3. - Managing lifestyle habits to reduce risks of stroke.
  4. - Undertake rehabilitation to improve life quality after a stroke.

 

The effects of a stroke in Malaysia can be overwhelming, but in some cases, may cause severe and permanent disabilities. That said, Well Rehab provides several types of rehabilitation which can be customised based on your needs and conditions.


For more information about our therapies or services, you may contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

Prioritizing Mental Health: A Key to Enhancing Productivity and Profitability in the Workplace

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
New Title
More Posts