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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Women in Business Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend March 13, 2007 Quick response crucial for victims of stroke Modern techniques discussed at Chamber forum By Bill kettler Mail Tribune There was a time when people who suffered a stroke were believed to have been touched by God. That theory fell out of favor as physicians and scientists learned the real cause of the mysterious disease that sometimes left patients paralyzed or unable to speak. Brain cells die when their blood supply is cut off, either by blocked or burst blood vessels. These days, doctors emphasize treating the risk factors that cause stroke, (high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, to name a few) and helping stroke victims learn how to function on their own, Dr. Cornelia Byers said Monday. She spoke at the monthly forum sponsored by the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County at the Rogue Valley Country Club. Byers said stroke care has changed dramatically during the past 25 years, as physicians have realized that even adult brains have "plasticity," the ability for one part of the brain to compensate for a damaged area. "Neuroplasticity was a no-no term in the '80s," said Byers, medical director of the rehabilitation center at Providence Medford Medical Center. Advertisement Physicians have learned which treatments are most effective for restoring body functions, and computers and microprocessors have allowed engineers to create new tools to help patients regain function. Physicians and therapists use a mixture of high- and low-tech approaches to help stroke victims regain use of their limbs. The newest artificial legs, for example, are equipped with electronic processors that sample movement in the limb 50 times per second and constantly compensate. Such prostheses allow amputees to walk up and down steps or hills without use of a cane. Low-tech treatments include early remobilizing of limbs that have been affected by a stroke. "People used to be put in bed for 10 days," Byers said. "Now we get people up as soon as their blood pressure stabilizes." Therapists stretch stroke-affected muscles to restore range of motion, and encourage patients to use their damaged limbs by immobilizing arms and legs that may not have been affected by the stroke. Such "forced" activities stimulate the brain and nervous system to build new pathways. Byers said it's important to recognize the symptoms of stroke — sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg; sudden confusion or trouble speaking; sudden coordination problems; a severe headache that doesn't go away — and seek treatment. The longer a stroke is left untreated, the more damage may occur. Many people , however, ignore the symptoms or hope they'll go away, Byers said. "Denial (of symptoms) is huge." Reach reporter Bill Kettler at 776-4492 or e-mail: [email protected] Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary