PETALING JAYA: Although there is a sharp drop in reported influenza cases this year, the highly contagious respiratory illness occurs all year round, says the Health Ministry, while reminding the public to take safety measures against it.
From January to July this year, the ministry logged 158 influenza clusters – compared with 255 clusters during the same period last year.
Of the 158 clusters reported this year, 54% were in schools, followed by kindergartens at 20%.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the total number of cases reported from the 158 clusters was 4,606, whereas in 2022 the cases were three times higher or 12,876 cases from 255 clusters.
“The ministry still monitors influenza outbreaks and clusters that occur, although individual cases are not required to be notified by clinics and hospitals,” she said in an interview.
This is because influenza, or the flu, is not subject to mandatory notifications under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
Dr Zaliha said influenza tends to occur all year round and has the potential to attack all ages.
While most people recover within a week without requiring medical attention, some may require admission for close monitoring, she said.
Influenza and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses but caused by different viruses, she added.
“The flu is caused by influenza viruses only whereas the common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses and (human) parainfluenza (viruses),” she said.
Dr Zaliha said the best way to avoid infection is to get the influenza vaccine every year.
She also advised those with symptoms to avoid close contact with others and keep a distance to protect other people from getting sick too.
“Stay home when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick,” she said.
Flu viruses, she noted, spread mainly by droplets made when people cough, sneeze or talk.
Dr Zaliha said practising good hand hygiene is also important to curb the spread of the flu.
Germs can also be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, she said.
Other good health habits – such as cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill – should also be practised, she added.
“Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Also seek immediate treatment if symptoms worsen,” she said.
Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia president Dr Shanmuganathan TV Ganeson said the flu season peaks in May to July and November to January.“For the first 24 weeks of 2023 in Malaysia, there was 18.45% positivity for influenza of the specimens sent. The figures for Singapore were quite similar at 20%,” he said.
Dr Shanmuganathan said that as there are pockets of spread, the prevalence would vary from area to area and from time to time.
For example, he said that in May, Klang doctors commented on increased influenza A and B cases, but doctors in Kuala Lumpur did not seem to corroborate that increase.
Symptoms of influenza are fever, flu, cough and chest discomfort, sore throat, lethargy, headache and body aches, respiratory distress, and even vomiting and diarrhoea.
Meanwhile, the symptoms of the common cold are sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, mucus dripping down your throat (post-nasal drip), watery eyes and fever.
“However, most people with colds do not have fever,” said Dr Shanmuganathan.
The at-risk groups include children below five years old, the elderly above 65 years old, those with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or chronic bronchitis, persons with poor immunity like HIV, cancer and chemotherapy patients, healthcare workers and caregivers, he added.
Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh said Covid-19 has taught the world how to curb the spread of upper respiratory infections, and that the same principles could be applied to flu infections.
“The precautions are pretty similar to Covid-19, such as masking up, social distancing and hand washing – as well as isolation for those infected to control the spread,” he said.
Dr Kuljit also said that in July, private hospitals saw a rise in bed occupancy due to many factors, most notably influenza.
Developments in the neurosurgical field have enabled safer and less intrusive treatments for brain tumours.
WHEN faced with the possibility of brain surgery, the first emotion we would likely experience is instinctual unease. This is a natural reaction as our personalities, thoughts and other aspects that define us are inextricably linked to brain function. The thought of having our identities being permanently altered can be unsettling.
Fortunately, it is a big misconception that neurosurgical intervention causes sudden personality shifts. The reality is that these drastic changes are more often associated with brain tumours. If left untreated, it carries more severe risks and consequences compared to the relatively low risk of surgery.
Moreover, the field of neurosurgery in Malaysia has made significant advancements in both surgical technique and medical technology, further reducing risk associated with neurosurgical procedures, while enabling more precise and effective treatment.
It is important for Malaysians to develop better understanding of brain tumours and available treatments to help them make more informed decisions and protect the health of both themselves and their loved ones.
Who is at risk?
Brain tumours can affect anyone regardless of age or lifestyle and its effects can range from being relatively benign to potentially life-threatening depending on its size, location and development. The cause for primary tumour growths that originate from the brain is still unknown.
It is generally advisable that individuals undergo an MRI scan if they experience clinical symptoms as described in this article, although this can vary depending on the patient’s condition and situation. Patients with cancer are also more likely to develop secondary brain tumours (caused by the spread of cancer cells from other body organs). An oncologist will recommend these patients undergo serial MRI screenings once every three to six months.
Common symptoms
One of the tell-tale signs of a brain tumour is persistent and severe headaches, especially if the headaches get
progressively worse over time. A sudden change in headache intensity and pattern could also be indicative of a brain tumour but not all headaches are indicative of a tumour.
Other symptoms of brain tumours include an unsteady gait, blurred vision and vomiting. Unfortunately, these symptoms can sometimes be overlooked and mistakenly attributed to other comorbidities, causing brain tumours to remain undiagnosed for many years.
Interventional pain specialist, neurosurgery and spine surgery expert at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Dr Toh Charng Jeng emphasises the subtle nature of brain tumours and the potential difficulties in identifying them.
“It is common for older patients, for example, to miss signs of brain tumours. They generally have their attention slowed down and maybe talk less than before. Some may think this is just a part of dementia.”
“Patients must always consult a neurologist before jumping to conclusions. You shouldn’t assume psychiatric illness until you rule out red-flag conditions like tumours, especially if their symptoms do not present themselves as typical dementia signs, for example, as it would need to be investigated further.”
Given the difficulty of noticing personal behavioural changes in oneself, we must rely on our loved ones to notice unusual or persistent changes in our attitudes and recommend medical consultations.
Advancement in technology
Thanks to many advancements in the field of neurosurgery over the decades, surgical procedures on brains have become exceedingly safe. The integration of image guidance, imaging dyes and microscope enhancements are great examples of assistive technology and play a key role in enabling surgeons to perform surgeries with improved precision and consistency.
Dr Toh says: “Patients must always consult a neurosurgeon before jumping to conclusions.”
Dr Toh adds, “The advancement of technology is to assist neurosurgeons in treatment. Thanks to assistive machinery, a surgeon’s work has become more consistent. For example, technology has enabled neurosurgeons to take advantage of intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, which allows surgeons to monitor nerves while performing surgery. This helps with avoiding injury to the nerve as the machine can warn us earlier.”
Other techniques and technology include the ultrasonic aspirator that breaks brain tumours into smaller pieces to be extracted even with small craniotomy opening (keyhole neurosurgery) and the awake craniotomy that keeps the patient awake during surgery to give real-time essential feedback which further reduce the risk of surgery.
There is also the gamma knife (GK), a very powerful, precise and least collateral radiosurgery machine used today and developed by neurosurgeon Lars Leksell in 1967 specifically for cranial pathology. Advancements in cancer treatment have improved survival rates in cancer patients with increased incidences of brain metastasis; but with the GK, cancer tumours can be controlled or reduced dramatically, translating to more improved survivals for patients with stage four brain metastasis. It is also useful when surgical risk is too high for a small tumour situated deep in the brain.
Given the individualistic nature of the human brain as well as tumour development, neurosurgical interventions are typically tailor-made for each patient. Patients can rest easy as doctors guide them through all available treatment options and recommended procedures, empowering them to make a decision that is most suited for their condition.
Overall, the notion that brain surgery is dangerous is largely misconstrued as rapid improvement in neurosurgical techniques and technology alongside the dedication of neurosurgeons, surgery risk has been drastically reduced, enabling former brain tumour patients to continue living long and fulfilling lives.
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ACCORDING to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 70% of the global burden of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions affects low- and middle-income countries. Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the world with nine million deaths annually. Stroke, migraine, dementia, meningitis and epilepsy are the top five contributors to neurological disabilities globally. With an increasing ageing population, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are also becoming more significant.
According to medical director and consultant neurosurgeon Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris at MSU Medical Centre, “The brain is a unique organ with three important functions that affect our lives which are, sensory interpretation and movement control; cognitive, mental and emotional integrity; and behaviour and social execution.”
Brain health is becoming an important concept in healthy living which encompasses the ability of the brain to rewire in life in response to changes in experience and environment. A healthy brain is capable of slowing down cognitive decline and combating any injury or diseases of the brain. There are several things that we can make a habit to maintain our brain health.
Regular physical activity can benefit the brain by optimising the brain’s blood flow and reducing the loss of brain cells during ageing. Those who exercise regularly can enjoy healthy cognitive abilities and have a lower risk of developing dementia. Exercise helps to lower blood pressure reducing cardiovascular risks of getting a stroke. Some studies have found that regular exercise increases the level of a protein that promotes the growth and maintenance of brain cells. Having an active lifestyle such as taking the stairs, engaging in sports or hobbies or having purposeful exercise such as brisk walking or aerobic training can have a positive impact on brain health.
Quality sleep is important for brain healing and the restoration of mental function. Sleep makes our thinking processes sharp and focused with better decision-making. Seven to eight hours of sleep gives the brain adequate time to clear abnormal proteins that accelerate dementia. Several lifestyle measures can be adopted to ensure no alteration in sleep patterns such as increasing time in the sunlight, consistent sleep routines and being aware of the effects of medications.
The brain is only 2% of the body weight yet it consumes 20% of energy requirements. Without the right energy and nutrients, the brain will start losing its function. Food rich with antioxidants (compounds that have a protective effect on the brain), fibre, unsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids), B vitamins and an adequate amount of complex carbohydrates is important to maintain a healthy brain. A diet rich in processed foods, salt and refined sugars can increase inflammation and free radicals in our body that can negatively impact brain health.
“The brain is a unique organ with three important functions that affect our lives which are, sensory interpretation and movement control; cognitive, mental and emotional integrity; and behaviour and social execution.” -Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris
Cognitive stimulation by learning new skills or knowledge helps the brain to become constantly healthy with the formation of new circuits between brain cells. Challenging the brain increases its cognitive reserve by creating an adequate backup system. With more reserves, the brain can become more resistant to changes that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Education and learning enhance the cognitive reserve which makes the brain less susceptible to the effects of age and brainrelated changes.
Depression and anxiety can be detrimental to brain health with their effects on mood and emotion. These conditions lead to slow thinking, memory and concentration difficulties. Social connectivity helps to get rid of depression and anxiety. Socialising helps the brain expand its cognitive reserve. Engaging in conversation trains the brain to increase attention and concentration, and helps social judgement. Therefore, it is important to stay connected with friends and families to maintain healthy brain functions.
Palliative Care: YOU Are a BRIDGE
https://youtu.be/lDHhg76tMHc
THE process of dying and the death of loved ones create a profound and lasting impact on their families and wider communities.
As a society, we are not exposed enough to be fully equipped to support end-of-life journeys.
We need to be able to normalise the process of death and have the courage to advocate for a holistic care plan not by just buying insurance policies but also by showing love, empathy and compassion. This is known as palliative care, which may begin at the start of life-threatening illnesses to end-of-life journeys.
Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice, described palliative care in its most holistic sense: “You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”
Palliative care regards dying as a normal process in the journey of life, integrating psychological and spiritual dimensions into patient care. A holistic approach care plan enables patients and families to better cope with the course of the illness and provides a support network for bereavement care.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of palliative care in all healthcare systems. The need for relief from severe suffering, the difficult decision-making and complicated grief brought on by the pandemic are exactly the types of problems that palliative care was designed to help address.
My father, who is a consultant haematologist, treats cancer patients, among other life-threatening blood disorders, and fully supports palliative care causes. I, as a tech start-up builder, believe that blockchain, AI and other automation technologies will drive the future of society. Despite our different calling in life, I also join my father in fully supporting palliative care as essential care for vulnerable members of our community.
We both fully recognise that palliative care does not start and stop with doctors and nurses alone. The success of effective and affordable palliative care lies in the hands of an informed society.
Hospices in Malaysia and Singapore are typically independent non-profit entities run by community members on charitable donations and volunteerism.
Ultimately, palliative care is a community-driven initiative. All of us have a part to play as family caregivers, pastoral caretakers, therapists, healthcare professionals and more.
Through a journey I’ve undertaken as a volunteer carer in a hospice, I have developed a genuine understanding of the principles of palliative care in practice. Hospice environments provide a powerful example of how we as a community can show love, empathy and compassion when facing fear and loss of loved ones.
What matters to patients who are actively dying include relief from pain, maintaining one’s dignity, not dying alone, and having a comforting hand to touch during their end-of-life journey.
Community volunteers can support palliative care nurses and doctors by assisting with non-clinical pain management, such as cleaning and feeding of patients, providing wheelchair assistance, and spending time with patients. These acts of love for others are what truly makes us human.
Through volunteering in a hospice, I was able to face the mirror of death and fully embrace my humanity by showing love, empathy and compassion for the suffering of others – something that technology or AI machines can never truly replicate.
Let’s all do our part today to build a palliative care-aware society, whether it is through advocacy, community volunteerism or giving.
KATHERINE NG LI PEI
Co-founder of Ministry for Good, a non-profit start-up to scale technology for good
Ministry For Good is a
non-profit business consultancy and ideas incubation platform founded to
improve the lives of people through effective use of spatial
technology.
Physiotherapy for stroke patients is not just about exercises and
movement, but also incorporates technology such as functional electrical
stimulation and virtual reality. — Photos: SUNWAY MEDICAL CENTRE
VELOCITY
There you are, walking around the house, maybe on your way to get something to eat or to the living room to watch some TV.
All of a sudden, one side of your body goes numb and weak, and you lose your balance, causing you to collapse on the floor.
When you try to call for help, you find that you can’t speak properly with your speech sounding slurred.
You realise that you can’t see properly either, as your vision has become blurry.
And when you look at your face in the mirror, you realise that one side is drooping down, but not the other.
You are most likely experiencing a stroke, the third most common cause of death in Malaysia.
This emergency condition occurs when the brain is deprived of vital oxygen supply, either when a blood clot blocks off a blood vessel supplying the brain (ischaemic stroke) or when one of these blood vessels ruptures and starts bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke).
According to consultant neurologist Dr Kok Chin Yong. your brain cells will start to die within minutes after the stroke hits you – about 2,000,000 cells every minute.
Therefore, you need to get help and go to the nearest hospital’s emergency department as soon as possible.
The good news is that there are immediate treatments that can not only save your life, but also minimise any disability you might have from the stroke.
Ischaemic strokes are the most common type of stroke, comprising three-quarters of all cases.
For this type of stroke, the first and most immediate treatment is the administration of tissue plasminogen activators (tPAs), which help break down blood clots.
Says Dr Kok: “For an ischaemic stroke, the target is to unblock the blood clot as soon as possible.
“We can do this with an intravenous (IV) clot-busting agent called alteplase.
“The current guidelines state a cut-off point of 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms in order to derive benefit from this treatment.
“Hence, time is brain.”
He notes that alteplase is the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved tPA for acute ischaemic stroke at the moment.
Another treatment available in certain hospitals, he adds, is a clot-removal procedure called mechanical thrombectomy, which is done by an interventional radiologist.
Meanwhile, haemorrhagic strokes are usually treated by the neurosurgeon or interventional radiologist.
Explains consultant neurosurgeon Dr Gerard Arvind Martin: “Choosing whether to take the patient to the operating room or not can depend on various factors, such as age and condition of the patient, the level of consciousness and extent of bleeding, all of which the surgeon takes into consideration before performing surgery.
“In those cases where a subarachnoid haemorrhage has occurred due to a suspected aneurysmal rupture, a further scan called an angiogram will be required to determine precisely the site of bleeding.
“Angiograms can be either via computed tomography (CT) scan or a catheter, which is typically carried out by a radiologist in an angiogram suite.
“Depending on the findings, the surgeon can then elect to operate and clip the ruptured aneurysm, or consider endovascular techniques, which are performed by an interventional radiologist.”
If you are lucky, you would have survived your stroke with no or minor complications and have a quick recovery.
However, many stroke survivors will face long-term disability, which can be physical or cognitive.
For example, patients may experience paralysis of the side affected by the stroke; weak coordination; difficulty in speaking, understanding, reading and writing; and difficulty concentrating.
This is where rehabilitation comes in.
A stroke patient exercises his muscles with the help of a machine, supervised by a physiotherapist.
A stroke patient exercises his muscles with the help of a machine, supervised by a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy Treatment in Malaysia
https://youtu.be/PYQO3SDe8_w ”
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How much you know about Stroke? Stroke is an emergency, every minute counts – Act F.A.S.T.
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Says Dr Kok: “This is an area that is often given less attention, when in fact, to me, it is equally important as the acute treatment for stroke.
“A good rehabilitation programme improves disability and prevents complications.”
According to Sunway Medical Centre Velocity Rehabilitation Centre head Maxim Chea, stroke rehabilitation has to be individualised to the patient as it depends on the part of the body or type of ability affected by the stroke.
He explains that there are three main types of rehabilitation therapy: physical therapy, technology-assisted physical therapy (e.g. functional electrical stimulation and virtual reality), and cognitive and emotional therapy.
Visual rehabilitation is also available for those whose vision is affected by stroke.
For example, consultant neuro-ophthalmologist Dr Lakana Kumar shares that “Double vision and peripheral loss of vision can be treated with prisms incorporated into glasses for patients to wear.”
Rehabilitation is usually carried out by a team consisting of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and dieticians/nutritionists, among others.
In addition to physical and cognitive problems, patients might easily become depressed, overly anxious and panic easily.
Says consultant psychiatrist Dr Lim Wai Jenn: “Stroke survivors are at significantly higher risk for neuropsychiatric conditions such as post-stroke depression (one in three patients), anxiety (one in four patients), and other changes in personality and behaviour.
“These conditions impede the rehabilitation process and degree of recovery in post-stroke patients.
“They also significantly impact the patients’ long-term functioning and quality of life, and can even lead to higher mortality rates.
“Early psychiatric assessment and intervention is essential.”
She notes that caregivers also need support and psychoeducation on how best to support patients in regaining function.
While being affected by a stroke is a frightening event, rest assured that there are treatments and therapies available to help you manage this condition – just remember that you need to seek medical help as soon as possible.
By TAN SHIOW CHIN
This article is courtesy of Velocity Neurocentre, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity.
A CT scan of a stroke patient’s brain, showing the affected area of their brain (in violet). The affected area will determine the type and extent of disabilities the patient will have. — Schering AG
By Matthew Teo Yong Chang
Stroke or a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) was the third leading cause of death in Malaysia in 2018, according to the Department of Statistics. The department reported that stroke caused 7.1% of all deaths in the country. However, two-thirds of those who have a stroke actually survive and will require rehabilitation.
The objectives of rehabilitation are to help survivors become as independent as possible and to attain the best possible quality of life. It is crucial as stroke survivors can lose the function of their affected limbs without rehabilitation, something we have observed in real life.
Even though the function of a stroke survivor’s affected limbs may seem lost after the stroke, our brain possesses a trait called neuroplasticity that can help the survivor regain the limb’s function.
Neuroplasticity enables the unaffected nerve cells (neurons) around the affected area of the brain to rewire and create new pathways around the affected area through repetition of physical and mental training, as well as regulated emotional feedback.
However, the extent for neuroplasticity varies in each individual. So, even though rehabilitation does not “cure” the effects of stroke, in that it does not reverse brain damage, rehabilitation can considerably help survivors achieve the best possible outcome in the long run.
Levels of disability
Rehabilitation, rehab, stroke, physiotherapy, activities of daily living, occupational therapy, Star2.com Rehabilitation is aimed at regaining practical function for the patient, like opening a door latch, turning a tap or pushing a switch.
Strokes happen when a blood clot or bleeding (haemorrhage) restricts the blood supply to the brain, resulting in the brain being deprived of oxygen, which leads to the death of brain cells.
Usually, it is only one part of the brain that is damaged and this affects the type and degree of disability the survivor will experience. This also influences how much rehabilitation can help the survivor.
Generally, stroke can cause five types of disabilities:
• Paralysis, or problems controlling voluntary movement
• Disturbance of the senses, including pain
• Problems using or understanding language
• Problems with thinking and memory
• Emotional disturbances
It is also imperative to know the severity of the stroke before deciding on the rehabilitation plan. There are seven recognised stages of stroke recovery through which most survivors progress through:
• Stage 1 – Flaccidity: No voluntary movement is observed.
• Stage 2 – Spasticity appears: Spasticity refers to the continuous contraction of muscles, which interferes with normal movement, speech and gait, and causes the arm or leg to make small involuntary jerky movements.
• Stage 3 – Increased spasticity: The e arm or leg becomes more spastic, and the muscles feel stiff and tight against external resistance.
• Stage 4– Decreased spasticity: Spasticity of the arm or leg decreases and the limb begins to move more easily.
• Stage 5 – Complex movement combinations: The movement of the limbs start becoming more coordinated and full movement begins to return.
• Stage 6 – Spasticity disappears: Muscle spasticity disappears and isolated joint movements are voluntary; however, spasticity may return if the patient is tired.
• Stage 7 – Normal function returns: Movements return to normal.
Each stage requires different types of approaches and exercises for rehabilitation.
Home rehab
Rehabilitation, rehab, stroke, physiotherapy, activities of daily living, stretching, Star2.com A volunteer helps a stroke patient with her exercises during a therapy session. Stroke survivors are recommended to do flexibility exercises two to three times a week for the rest of their life.
The rehabilitation programme for stroke survivors involves a multidisciplinary healthcare team consisting of a rehabilitation physician, nurses, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech therapist, dietitian and clinical psychologist.
However, the most important members of the team are the patient and their caregivers. This is as rehabilitation should be done daily at home, not just during therapy appointments.
Battling stroke disabilities is not as simple a remedy as taking a pill from the doctor or attending a session with the therapist for an hour a week. It requires compliance to medication and the continuous effort to practice the therapies repetitively with strong determination!
Contrary to common belief, stroke rehabilitation can be offered in any setting without sophisticated equipment or technology.
The American Heart Association recommends that stroke survivors perform aerobic exercises three to seven days per week, as well as strengthening, flexibility and neuromuscular exercises two to three days a week, for the rest of their life.
Training at home, in a familiar environment, by adapting and using utensils or tools at home is more meaningful than the therapeutic remedial therapy received at institutionalised centres.
For instance, toilet training at a hospital ward is not as useful as toilet training in your own home, as you will eventually be going home and using that toilet, rather than the hospital’s toilet.
After all, the ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to promote optimal functional independence in the survivor’s own living environment.
Besides, providing therapy in the home environment supports continuity of care, provides a relevant environment for daily function, and encourages patients to develop problem-solving skills.
Some of the other benefits of home rehabilitation for stroke include:
• Early discharge from the hospital to return to the comfort of your own home.
• Avoiding hospital-acquired pneumonia and other illnesses due to a shorter stay.
• Reducing the cost of care.
• Preventing deterioration and promoting health through physical activity.
• Preventing falls, which are common among older patients and can cause additional long-term disability.
Barriers to home rehab
The main barriers towards rehabilitation in stroke are a lack of motivation and apathy towards recovery. Most stroke survivors stop coming for their treatment regime after a period of rehabilitation because they do not see any significant improvement.
Over a period of time, they will begin to learn helplessness and compensate themselves – mostly incorrectly – for their abnormal postures and movement, leading to non-compliance in rehabilitation.
Poor awareness among the public about the different roles of the different therapists in stroke rehabilitation could also be another barrier in rehabilitation.
In addition, the lack of trained therapists in Malaysia for stroke rehabilitation is also another factor, as it contributes to increased cost of hiring in-house therapists for home rehabilitation due to their scarcity.
Matthew Teo Yong Chang is a lecturer in the School of Occupational Therapy at the Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine. This article is courtesy of Perdana University. For more information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
Stroke Hand Exercises: For every stage of recovery
A physiotherapist explains safe lower limb exercises for stroke patients
This video is brought to you by Singapore General Hospital.
https://youtu.be/3GbpbuwcWDk
Post-Stroke Exercises (Part 2: Lower Limb)
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Stroke Exercises for Arm & Hand with Little to No Strength-for Home
"Famous" Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp & Brad Heineck demonstrate stroke exercises you can do in your own home for the arm and hand that has little to no strength.
https://youtu.be/DoR9H9zuJPY
Stretches For Hand Spasticity - Best Stroke Recovery Hand Exercises
DAEHAN Rehabilitation Hospital Putrajaya offers customised rehabilitation services that focus on intensity and discipline to give patients with neurological and orthopaedic disabilities optimal results.
Strokes and other neurological disabilities often leave individuals with lasting and damaging effects that can greatly impede their daily functions.
This brings to light the need to raise awareness on the crucial and beneficial role rehabilitation can play in the lives of such patients.
According to Dr Fazah Akhtar, studies have shown that early and high-intensity rehabilitation has given patients better outcomes.
“Certain neurological conditions such as strokes and traumatic brain injury have a window period of best recovery after the event,” said Dr Fazah.
“If an individual were to undergo high-intensity inpatient rehabilitation in a specialised hospital or unit, the recovery and functional outcomes of the patient have shown to be better than those who do not receive such treatment.”
Understanding this approach, Daehan Rehabilitation Hospital Putrajaya offers South Koreanstyled rehabilitation services in which they are on a one-on-one basis and are personalised to specifically match the needs of the individual.
Besides stroke patients, they also manage cases of traumatic brain injuries, hypoxic brain injuries, brain tumours, spinal cord injuries, musculoskeletal conditions and other complex conditions that require multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
With an emphasis on intensity and discipline, the inpatient rehabilitation programmes are planned and targeted for a duration of three months with extensions as needed.
A programme’s daily schedule usually features several rehabilitation sessions, starting at 9am and end at 5pm.
In addition, parts of the programme are practised in open and spacious therapy areas such as the gymnasium to enhance engagement and social interactions between patients.
This forms a support group system and such peer encouragement has seen a positive impact on the programme, says Dr Fazah.
All this is further augmented by technological advancements such as gait robotics, computerbased therapy, individualised hydrotherapy, and anti-gravity treadmills.
Their full list of therapy programmes includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, functional electrical stimulation (FES), pain therapy, speech therapy, dysphagia rehabilitation, computerised cognitive function therapy, activities for daily living (ADL) training, return to work training, pulmonary rehabilitation, machine treatment, gait training with special equipment, robot-assisted gait trainer, hydrotherapy treadmill, and anti-gravity treadmill.
Meanwhile, their facilities and services include an emergency department, room and board, imaging department, specialist clinic, daycare service, inpatient and outpatient services, and outdoor therapy.
While Daehan Rehabilitation Hospital Putrajaya only offers its services to adults at this point, there are plans to expand to paediatrics rehabilitation soon.
Certain neurological conditions such as strokes and traumatic brain injury have a window period of best recovery after the event.
-Dr Fazah Akhtar
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SBS - Sure Boh Singapore ·
Founding Father Lee Kuan Yew's famous quote:
Founding Father Lee Kuan Yew's famous quote. I'm surprised it took them 65 minutes. I would have apologised straight away after he says "STOP IT!
