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There are many lifestyle practices that help in preventing strokes. Yet many people still fall prey to this medical disaster. Strokes continue to be the third most frequent cause of death in the western world.

Until recently, the medical dogma was there was essentially no chance of any further meaningful recovery from a stroke after the first few months following the event. New scientific research reveals this pessimistic view, still held by many doctors, is clearly unwarranted.

When a stroke occurs, cells in an area of the brain die. There is also an adjacent area where other brain cells are damaged and dysfunctional but not dead. These cells are functional but not functioning and can remain in this state of 'idling' for a long time. They are like cars parked with their motors running at idle - waiting to be put into gear. Strategies are available that can revive these damaged cells even when the stroke had occurred years before.

NUTRITION

Optimal nutrition after a stroke is vital as it is by providing the body with the right combination of nutrients at a cellular level that you can stimulate the body's amazing healing capacity. I use and recommend a plan called the Cellular Nutrition Programme along with specific guidelines for healthy eating.

Adequate protein intake is especially important for cellular repair.

VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS

There are specific additional vitamin supplements that facilitate brain repair: Vitamins B12, B6, B3, Folic acid, vitamins E and C are essential for the metabolism of the brain cells to prevent free radical damage and improve brain circulation. These vitamins may also be administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection. An intravenous vitamin injection called a Myers cocktail is particularly helpful. Where blood flow to the brain is defective, intravenous chelation therapy is also useful.

OTHER SUPPLEMENTS

Coenzyme Q10 and Alpa lipoic acid are natural substances that increase the energy levels in damaged brain cells and facilitate healing. Phosphatidyl serene (PS) is a key component of healthy brain cells. It facilitates energy production in the cells of the brain as well as cell-to-cell communication.

Fish oils contain omega 3 fatty acids and are very effective in controlling the inflammatory reactions in damaged brain cells while improving the function of the membranes of the cells. The effective dosage is two or three times usual levels.

HERBS

Ginkgo biloba is a herb with a long history of use in China and is now extensively utilised in European medicine for the treatment of a variety of brain disorders. It improves the cerebral metabolism and circulation while acting as an antioxidant.

Vinpocetine is an extract of the lesser periwinkle plant that has proven to improve the clinical outcome of stroke patients and is now widely used around the world. It increases blood flow to the brain by preventing blood cells from clumping together and is a powerful antioxidant.

OXYGEN THERAPY

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a powerful medical treatment I was first exposed to in Cuba where it is widely used in all hospitals for a variety of conditions including strokes. This treatment involves exposing the patient to pure oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. This enhances the levels of oxygen in the tissues even in areas where the circulation is poor or absent and cellular damage exists. The oxygen facilitates the growth of new blood vessels and increases cellular repair and healing. Hospitals in Jamaica do not offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy although it is extremely cost effective.

I use Ozone Therapy as an alternative form of Oxygen Therapy in which ozone gas (O3) is injected into the blood stream to super-oxygenate the blood.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

The treatments outlined above work best when combined with various physical, occupational and speech therapies. These should be aggressively pursued on an ongoing basis. Water aerobics, massage therapy, reflexology, body talk and therapeutic touch are other useful treatments that aid stroke recovery.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

Mind-body research continues to demonstrate the importance of the beliefs of the patient and the caregiver in determining the outcome of treatment. In other words the more positive the attitude and expectations of the patient and the doctors, nurses, therapists, family and friends, the better the results of the treatment. If your doctor is very pessimistic about your future, look for a second opinion.

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. You can start your stroke recover programme right now!

You may email Dr Tony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com. Visit him at www.anounceofprevention.org or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER 106FM on Fridays at 8 p.m.

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