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Suggest Treatment For Stiffness In Arm Muscles After A Stroke

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Posted on Mon, 7 Apr 2014
Question: Hello I am XXXXXXX From Baroda, Gujarat, India. I had brain stroke last month on 10 th February, i reached hospital within 1 hour and doctor found clot on right side of head and i was given injection for removal of clot which was removed when again CT scan was done after 3 days. I have been advised to Election Stimulation on left side of face. After some days I noticed stiffness in arm muscles in my left hand an it does not work in synchronization with my right hand. Can you please help me wi the solution for my hand Thanks XXXXXXX
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Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation are Key Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Let me see if I can help you with what needs to be done next for your hand. I have seen your CT scan report and it was very helpful. Thank you The parts of your brain that have been affected by the stroke are very important for starting and controlling the muscles on the LEFT side of the body. So the left side from face down must have been affected. Please correct me if i am wrong. Electrical stimulation is a very good approach to make sure the muscles which have become weak after the stroke will regain their strength, but another issue that needs to be worked on is your brains ability to coordinate these muscles. A good physical therapist and regular exercises under their supervision is the best and really the only way to make sure your coordination issues are managed properly. The brain has a tremendous capacity to heal itself from damage but you have to exercise the muscles affected so that the brain is STIMULATED to heal. Also remember to give yourself plenty of time to heal. Studies have shown that the brain can activley recover from a stroke for up to 24 months after the stroke. So you have just begun the healing process. So, to sum up. The coordination issues and strength issues must be addressed by a competent physical therapist and I really want to stress that REGULAR physical therapy is very important... If the therapist gives you exercises to do at home, do them religiously. I hope this helps. Please feel free to follow-up with me through HealthCareMagic.com
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (9 minutes later)
I am regularly going for physiotherapy everday. I has helped me a lot but the muscles stiffness in my forearm is not reducing. i would request if you can suggest me some medicine for forearm muscle stiffness thanks XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Muscles stiffness meds Detailed Answer: In my practice we use different medications for different CAUSES of such stiffness. In your case I would first try a low dose of a medication called Pregabalin (brand names are Maxgallin and Lyrica). If that doesn't work after a few weeks of trial I would try increasing doses of Baclofen (brand name Lioresal). But let me stress, these are PRESCRIPTION medications and very powerful ones at that. Both medications can lower your BP and cause confusion. So you never start them without first speaking to your primary doctor and making sure that the medications will not interfere with the other medications that you are on. So, again to sum up.. You may wish to speak to your doctor about starting a low dose of Pregabalin or Baclofen. They also may have other suggestions since they have examined you and have a more detailed knowledge of your condition. I hope this helps! Feel free to follow-up with me whenever you like.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Follow up: Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (43 hours later)
doctor, Thank you very much for your valuale suggestion. I just want to know the chances for second stroke. I am into marketing field. Can I start moving as it is now more than a month thanks XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: Limited Mobility per Therapist Instructions Detailed Answer: Hi again. Good questions! So when it comes to Mobility, I believe you should be able to move about the home and bathroom with minimal issues. But the Physical Therapist is actually the one who is watching your walking and gait and seeing if you are unsteady or not. So they are the best judge of that. I understand Marketing is a high stress field and you need to get to work again.. More on that in next question. Now, as to the chances of another stroke. The unfortunate truth is that after the first stroke the chances are higher of having another one for the first few years after the stroke. That is why it is very important to start you on blood thinning agents. They are the best thing we have to lower the risk of the next one. Now. I noted that you are in the Marketing field. That is a VERY high stress field and STRESS raises BP and Can cause your next stroke! You are only 31 and you are only 1 month out from a life changing event and you are already stressing on getting back to work. This does not bode well for the future. I seriously suggest that you look into lowering your stress levels any way possible. Be it Meditation or even Medication. This kind of lifestyle can be very XXXXXXX for you and I fear you will hurst yourself further. I hope my advice has helped. Please feel free to follow up. Thanks for coming to HealthCareMagic.com
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 544 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Stiffness In Arm Muscles After A Stroke

Brief Answer: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation are Key Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Let me see if I can help you with what needs to be done next for your hand. I have seen your CT scan report and it was very helpful. Thank you The parts of your brain that have been affected by the stroke are very important for starting and controlling the muscles on the LEFT side of the body. So the left side from face down must have been affected. Please correct me if i am wrong. Electrical stimulation is a very good approach to make sure the muscles which have become weak after the stroke will regain their strength, but another issue that needs to be worked on is your brains ability to coordinate these muscles. A good physical therapist and regular exercises under their supervision is the best and really the only way to make sure your coordination issues are managed properly. The brain has a tremendous capacity to heal itself from damage but you have to exercise the muscles affected so that the brain is STIMULATED to heal. Also remember to give yourself plenty of time to heal. Studies have shown that the brain can activley recover from a stroke for up to 24 months after the stroke. So you have just begun the healing process. So, to sum up. The coordination issues and strength issues must be addressed by a competent physical therapist and I really want to stress that REGULAR physical therapy is very important... If the therapist gives you exercises to do at home, do them religiously. I hope this helps. Please feel free to follow-up with me through HealthCareMagic.com