Rehabilitation Saved my Life - Overcoming Stroke at Age 30
Stroke is a significant cause of premature deaths and disability. There are about 7,500 new stroke cases a year and most of the stroke survivors still suffer some form of disability. That is why rehabilitation is key. It helps stroke survivors preserve their motor and cognitive functions, regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Did you know, that the patients who require rehabilitation are getting younger? Take the example of Auyong Hawyee who suffered a stroke at age 30 (left picture). Hawyee relates his experience:
My stroke came without warning at age 30 when I suddenly fainted outside of my house. A massive hemorrhage had suddenly left the left side of my body paralyzed. I was completely unable to walk or move my left hand. The dedicated team of therapists at Tan Tock Seng Hospital helped me get back on my feet both figuratively and literally. Through rehabilitation at CART (Centre for Advanced Rehabilitation), I regained limited mobility in my left arm. Over time, I was able to return to work. I believe many more patients can benefit from better rehabilitation technology."
Hawyee was able to return to work 3.5 months later. His remarkable recovery underscores the importance of rehabilitation medicine.
Rehabilitation medicine is NHG's clinical strength. NHG's flagship hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), is a forerunner in rehabilitation medicine. NHG is also the only public healthcare cluster with a research institute for rehabilitation in Singapore.
Besides stroke survivors, rehabilitation is also important in preventing frailty in the elderly, and people suffering from musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis.
NHG is currently working on bringing rehabilitation to the community and homes, enabling those with mobility issues to have access to rehabilitation without needing to travel to the hospitals for their therapy sessions.
Find out how you can help make rehabilitation accessible to benefit more patients.
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References:
[1] Ministry of Health Singapore. (2013). (rep.). Health Factsheet: Trends in Stroke in Singapore 2008 – 2012. Retrieved from https://www.nrdo.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider3/Publications---Stroke/health_factsheet_stroke_2013nov.pdf
[2] Stroke Support Station opens second stroke wellness centre. Life Science Company News, Pharma, Biotechnology, Medical Device, Diagnostics Industry Trends, BioSpectrum Asia. (2019, May 29). https://www.biospectrumasia.com/news/30/13555/stroke-support-station-opens-second-stroke-wellness-centre-.html.
[3] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2019, April 17). What to expect as you recover from a stroke. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/in-depth/stroke-rehabilitation/art-20045172.
