CVA Archives

Blood Pressure Management in Stroke

Blood Pressure Management in Stroke PM&R News • June 2021 Goals: A balance of cerebral perfusion and ischemia BP <140/90 mmHg Antihypertensives restarted in neurologically stable patients ~24-48 hrs UTD recommendation: after large artery stenosis is excluded and after vascular imaging performed For large artery: timeframe is 7-14 days Timeframe goal: few days – few weeks Ischemic rtPA not administered: do not lower BP in first 24 hrs unless it exceeds 220/120 OR active: ischemic coronary disease, heart failure, aortic dissection, hypertensive encephalopathy, or pre-eclampsia/eclampsia Prior to rtPA administration: BP <185/110 After rtPA administration: BP < 180/105 for 24 hours. Monitoring: 1st 2 [...]

Music Therapy and CVA Benefits

Music Therapy and CVA Benefits PM&R News • March 2020 New research from Addenbrooke's hospital in Cambridge has shown promising results with the use of music therapy in treatment of patients with acute CVAs. A 2-year study performed on 177 patients who underwent 675 sessions was recently reported for improvements in patient's mood and thus possibility of increased patient engagement with rehabilitation sessions. Prior studies have shown that depression amongst those affected by CVAs, particularly aphasia, is high. The impact that music therapy has on improved mood could also affect rehabilitation participation, depression scales, and ultimately rehabilitation outcomes. The use of music therapy [...]