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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Neurological Rehabilitation

Stroke

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

/stroʊk/nounCore term

In physiotherapy, stroke means: Damage to part of the brain caused when its blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, often leading to weakness and problems with speech or balance.

In Turkish: inme, serebrovasküler olay, felç

How it is used

One of the main conditions in neurological physiotherapy. Doctors distinguish ischaemic stroke (a blocked artery) from haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding). Older notes may say CVA (cerebrovascular accident). Weakness usually affects the side of the body opposite the damaged side of the brain.

Example sentences

  1. She had a stroke three weeks ago and has weakness in her left arm and leg.

  2. On the stroke unit, physiotherapists start working with patients within a day or two of admission.

Common collocations

  • have a stroke
  • stroke rehabilitation
  • stroke unit
  • stroke survivor
  • acute stroke
  • hemiplegiaParalysis or severe weakness of one side of the body, most often caused by a stroke.
  • spasticityIncreased stiffness and tightness in muscles caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord, which gets stronger the faster the muscle is stretched.
  • neuroplasticityThe ability of the brain and nervous system to change and form new connections in response to learning, practice or injury.
  • balanceThe ability to keep the body steady and upright, whether standing still or moving, without falling.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Neurological Rehabilitation

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.