Synopsis
The treatment and reintegration of adults with brain damage sustained as a result of illness or accident is one of the most important and challenging tasks in the field of rehabilitation. This is not only due to the complexity of the lost functions, but also because stroke is the most frequent cause of severe disability in our society. Approx imately 25% of all severely disabled persons are hemiplegics (Nichols 1976). Brain damage caused by vascular disease is a tremendous problem for any population and civilization. Causes and effects, with the resulting symptoms, vary so widely that the problems are only gradually being recognized, and then perhaps not fully, even by the most committed research workers, doctors and therapists. The function al disturbances that arise as a result of cerebro-vascular accident, that is following stroke, in young and old do not differ fundamentally for the different age groups. Treatment and rehabilitation do however become more difficult with increasing age due mainly to the frequent presence of multiple disease, multiple sites, the diffuse spread of the vascular disease and the brain damage itself, the decreasing plasticity of the central nervous system and the frequent absence of a partner, of relatives and friends in later years. Deep down inside everyone knows that a stroke is one of the most devastating traumas to the whole personality, that it is a dreadful blow to the person directly af fected and to his family and friends as well.
From the Back Cover
In the 15 years since publication of the first edition, Steps to Follow has gained a worldwide reputation among professionals as a unique practical guide to the treatment of neurologically impaired patients. This second, completely updated edition incorporates significant practical advances in early and later neurorehabilitation and in the understanding of the problems confronting both patients and those who work with them. The relevant therapeutic activities to improve functional ability and quality of life following a stroke are described in detail twith the help of 750 photos showing patients in action during treatment: - Practical ways in which patients can be helped to interact more normally with their environment and so regain their independence, in spite of the perceptual disorders often associated with hemiplegia - More detailed explanation of hand function and more in-depth analysis of normal walking - Revised chapters on the various therapeutic activities, including new means of stimulating selective movements in order to counteract increases in muscle tone - Deeper understanding of abdominal muscle activity, which is relevant to retraining balance reactions and sitting and standing - A new chapter demonstrating how David Butlers concept of the mobilisation of neural structures throughout the body can be of inestimable value - Examples of ways in which therapists, nurses and relatives can help very severely disabled patients to avoid the development of secondary complications or overcome existing difficulties - Ways in whicfh the patient can maintain mobility and continue to make progress even after cessation of treatment, by exercising at home and participating in sporting and other leisure activities.
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