MHM Magazine

A stroke (AKA cerebrovascular accident) is described as a focal neurological deficit which impairs functioning. A stroke can affect the following areas of functioning: physical, cognitive, language use, verbal expression. Three types of strokes exist, the size and location of a stroke will determine the severity of symptoms and dysfunction. • Ischaemic Stroke: Blood clot or artery plague that stops the flow in the brain. • Haemorragic Stroke: Bleeding in the brain. Haemorragic strokes have been proven to have better prognosis. • Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA): When blood supply of the brain is briefly interrupted. This lasts for a few minutes. Around 75 000 people are diagnosed with a stroke each year in South Africa and 33 500 of those occurs in rural areas. There has also been a rise in strokes in the younger population due to lifestyle choices. Prevalence is said to be at 243 cases per 100 000 population for those aged 15 years and above. I currently work in a physical rehabilitation hospital and my youngest patient was 17 years old. An increase has also been seen in females due to contraceptives that are high in oestrogen, which can likely increase high blood pressure and cause a stroke. The reality of CVA treatment Post stroke rehabilitation can often only focus on restoring physical impairments or achieve functional participation within activities of daily living (ADLs). Which is a limitation because when stroke patients don’t receive adequate mental health support, their overall recovery can be hindered and patients can experience reduced motivation to pursue rehabilitation. Therefore, a holistic management approach is recommended. This approach considers patients holistically, considering mental, social factors and physical symptoms as all these can lead to an overall improved outcome. Virtuous Cycle of Psychological Care Maintains that positive mood and confidence motivates patients to take more action towards their recovery, which then increases physical improvement. By Hope Mathole Counselling Psychologist Resident Psychologist in CVA unit - Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital hope@hopematholecp.co.za PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH STROKE PATIENTS IN THE PHYSICAL REHABILITATION SPACE MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 6 | Psychotherapy with stroke patients in the physical rehabilitation space MHM Issue 6 | 2024 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 23 MHM