The Gleaner - Stroke, referred to as a cerebro vascular accident (CVA) by doctors, continues to be the third most frequent cause of death in the western world. Only one in 10 stroke survivors is able to return to work without impediment.
A stroke or 'brain attack' occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted. This occurs when a cerebral artery (a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain) either becomes blocked or ruptures. When this happens, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs.
For a long time, doctors believed there was really no chance of further recovery from a stroke after the first few months following the event. New scientific research reveals this pessimistic view, still held by many physicians, is clearly unwarranted.
When a stroke occurs, cells in an area of the brain die. But there is also an adjacent area where other brain cells are damaged and dysfunctional but not dead. These cells are functional but not functioning and can remain in this state of 'idling' for a long time. They are like cars parked with their motors running at idle — waiting to be put into gear. Here are some strategies that may revive these damaged cells, even when the stroke had occurred years before.
NUTRITION: Optimal nutrition is vital as it provides the body with the right combination of nutrients at a cellular level that can stimulate the body's amazing healing capacity. Especially important is an adequate intake of healthy protein plus lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and their juices. I recommend a structured plan called the Cellular Nutrition Programme.
SUPPLEMENTS: There are specific additional nutritional supplements that facilitate brain repair:
High doses of purified fish oils. This potent supplement contains omega 3 fatty acids that are very effective in controlling the inflammation in damaged brain cells. The brain is a fatty organ composed mainly of substances very similar to omega 3 fats. They are literally the building blocks of our nervous system.
Vitamins B6, B12, Folic acid, vitamins E and C. These are essential for the metabolism of the brain cells, prevent free radical damage and improve the circulation. Vitamin C has been shown to increase the body's production of stem cells that have the ability to replace dead brain cells.
CoenzymeQ10. This natural substance increases the energy levels in damaged brain cells and facilitates the restoration of function.
Phosphatidylserene (PS) is another naturally occurring key component of healthy brain cells. It also enhances energy production in the cells of the brain as well as the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other.
HERBS
Vinpocetine. This is an extract of the lesser periwinkle plant. It has been proven to improve the clinical outcome of stroke patients and is widely used in many countries around the world. It increases blood flow to the brain, is a powerful antioxidant and prevents blood cells from clumping together, thus further improving the circulation.
Ginkgo biloba. This herb has a long history of use in China and is now extensively utilised in European medicine for the treatment of a variety of brain disorders. It improves the cerebral metabolism and circulation while acting as an antioxidant.
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a truly exciting medical treatment that I was first exposed to in Cuba many years ago. It is widely used in all Cuban hospitals for a variety of conditions including strokes. This treatment involves exposing the patient to pure oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure in a hyperbaric chamber. This greatly increases the levels of oxygen in the brain tissues even in areas where the circulation is poor or absent and cellular damage exists. The oxygen facilitates the growth of new blood vessels and increases cellular repair and healing. It is sad that not one of our hospitals in Jamaica offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This technology has many uses, is extremely cost effective and readily available. Ozone therapy, a powerful alternative form of oxygen therapy, is, however, available from a few local practitioners.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Experts agree the treatments outlined above work best when combined with physical, occupational and speech therapy. These should be aggressively continued on an ongoing basis. Fortunately, excellent therapists offer these treatments here in Jamaica but perseverance and faith are necessary.
HORMONES:
Research indicates that the natural hormones Progesterone, DHEA and Pregnenalone have a useful role to play in the recovery from a stroke. This kind of treatment should be done under a doctor's supervision.
Please understand, it is never too late. You or your loved ones can begin a stroke-recover programme right now!
You may email Dr Tony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com, or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER 106FM on Fridays at 8 p.m.
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