QF Focus Magazine
Early and continuous action reduces the risk of brain damage.
Atrial fibrillation increases the chance of having a stroke by up to five times
Torrevieja, October 26th, 2016. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most severe and frequent in adults and a major cause of stroke, cardiac arrhythmia. As age increases, so does the frequency of cases in the population. Numerous studies show the close relationship between stroke and AF: people with it are four to five times more likely to suffer an embolic stroke. In fact, in Spain 11% of strokes are caused by AF.
This is corroborated by Dr. Mirko Alavena specialist in the Neurorehabilitation Unit of Quironsalud Hospital Torrevieja, who says that "the risk of stroke associated with AF increases markedly with age, up 23.5% at advanced ages from 80 to 89 years. In addition, a stroke due to AF tends to be severe, with an increase of 60% disability".
AF is very often asymptomatic and only detected during regular checkups. Among the risk factors that can cause it are hypertension, diabetes, aging, heart failure, overactive thyroid or other hormonal problems or consumption of large amounts of alcohol or coffee. "Some of these factors such as aging, cannot be changed, but others like controlling blood pressure, diabetes, smoking or avoiding excessive alcohol intake can help prevent both AF and strokes" highlights the specialist, who advises having cardiology reviews periodically to reduce the chances of suffering a stroke. Early and continuous action reduces the risk of brain damage that occurs after the patient has suffered a stroke, an accident, an infection, or cardiac arrest. A neurological injury from one of these can cause difficulties in movement, communication and performing common tasks such as dressing, causing serious disruption in the lives of the person.
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Dr. Mirko Alavena emphasises that "the rehabilitation must be started as early as possible by a specialised and multidisciplinary team of experienced and trained professionals to promote recovery functions through brain mechanisms - neuroplasticity". This line of immediate care is essential in Neurorehabilitation, which involves receiving treatment in hospital whilst integrating other specialties, including if necessary the ICU or ambulatory care.
Pioneering use of new technologies The specialist points out "the training support to families and patients, in addition to the virtual rehabilitation through 'Biotrak' and 'multi-touch screen' are key in the recovery of patients with neurological injuries". The Neurorehabilitation Unit at Quirónsalud Hospital Torrevieja follows multidisciplinary
clinical treatments that improve
patient’s outcome. The unit has pioneered the use of virtual reality technology applied as 'BioTrak', a rehabilitation system based on virtual reality technologies that helps to control every detail of the rehabilitation process, it adapts to the dysfunctions of each patient and improves their motivation. The team of this specialised unit consists of specialists in neurology and rehabilitation and a therapeutic team, neuropsychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
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