UNDERSTANDING STROKES
STROKE AND CEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE – BASICS
A stroke (apoplexia cerebri) is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. It is caused by either a blocked or a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. In the first case—an ischemic stroke—a section of the brain experiences a lack of blood flow; in the other case—a hemorrhagic stroke—blood accumulates in or immediately adjacent to the brain. Approximately 80% of all strokes are caused by insufficient blood flow. Theoretically, a stroke can affect anyone—from children to the elderly.
SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE
Common Symptoms & Consequences
Hemiparesis / Hemiplegia: Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body—the arm and leg on the same side are affected.
Language Disorders (Aphasia): Difficulties with speaking, understanding, reading, or writing—depending on the affected area of the brain.
Spasticity and muscle stiffness: Increased muscle tension can lead to stiffness, limited mobility and pain.
Impaired fine motor skills: Difficulties in the targeted use of the hands, e.g. when gripping, eating or writing.
Vision problems: Vision problems in one or both eyes, double vision, or visual field defects.
Swallowing and breathing difficulties: Paralysis of the swallowing muscles, breathing difficulties, ringing in the ears, nausea.
Cognitive impairments: Impairments in thinking, concentration, memory, and orientation.
Causes of Stroke and Brain Hemorrhage
Ischemic infarction (~80%): A blood clot or atherosclerosis blocks a blood vessel in the brain
Brain hemorrhage (~20%): Rupture of a blood vessel due to high blood pressure or a vascular malformation
Risk factors: High blood pressure, lipid metabolism disorders, diabetes mellitus, smoking, lack of physical activity, being overweight, alcohol
Genetic predisposition: Family History of Strokes Is Known
Children and adolescents are also affected: Every year, several thousand children in Europe suffer a stroke—many of which go undiagnosed.
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NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS WITH GIGER MD® THERAPY
If a stroke occurs, then to begin intensive GIGER® MD® therapy immediately, in order to regain as much lost neurological function as possible. GIGER® MD® therapy is an effective way to address all the typical consequences of a stroke. It has been proven to help significantly improved motor, language, and autonomic functions in those affected and consequential damage can be prevented.
This also means that some patients have regained their ability to walk or have significantly improved it. Even in severe cases, GIGER® MD® therapy offers new hope. Its effectiveness has been proven in numerous medical studies. The therapy is based on the GIGER® MD® medical device: The patient lies on their back while their arms, legs, and torso are exercised through guided, coordinated movements. The horizontal position relieves the spine of the patient’s own body weight, allowing it to relax immediately.
An injured central nervous system can partially reorganize itself through regular, coordinated training. Lost connections between the brain and muscles are gradually replaced by new neural networks—a process that scientists refer to as neural plasticity and which forms the basis for successful stroke treatment.
Frequently asked questions:
Can a stroke be cured?
The effects of a stroke are not always completely reversible—but the brain possesses remarkable plasticity. Therapies such as GIGER® MD® therapy can significantly improve motor skills, speech, autonomic functions, and quality of life. The earlier and more intensive the therapy, the better the results.
What causes a stroke?
Strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel (ischemic stroke, ~80%) or a brain hemorrhage (~20%). Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, lipid metabolism disorders, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and genetic predisposition.
Does a stroke get worse over the course of a person's life?
The brain damage itself does not progress, but secondary effects—such as spasticity, muscle atrophy, or cognitive impairments—can worsen without targeted therapy. Regular GIGER® MD® therapy actively counteracts this process.
What symptoms can occur after a stroke?
Symptoms range from paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparesis/hemiplegia) to language and speech disorders (aphasia), vision loss and dizziness to swallowing difficulties, spasticity, bladder and bowel dysfunction, as well as cognitive impairments such as memory and concentration problems.
How does a stroke affect daily life?
A stroke can significantly limit a person’s independence. Regular therapy helps patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and gradually improve their independence in daily life. The goal of GIGER® MD® therapy is to develop each patient’s individual abilities to the fullest extent possible and to enable them to reintegrate into their professional and personal lives.