One in 20 stroke sufferers cared for at Pirawarth

At the Klinik Pirawarth about 50 percent of all neurological cases come from cerebrovascular disease.  This is just above 1,000 guests per year. Based on this approximately one in 20 stroke sufferers in Austria are cared for at the Klinik Pirawarth.

Clarification of the exsisting disorders

On the first day the ward doctor examines the guest and creates a treatment plan. From the medical side an ECG and - if necessary - a duplex ultrasound, an endoscopy to evaluate swallowing or an EEG will be carried out in addition to the general medical history.

Depending on which area of ​​the brain has been affected by the stroke, certain neurological symptoms occur. "At the beginning of rehabilitation it is important to accurately detect these disorders, their extent and their impact on the daily lives of those affected" said Dr. Zelenka. Then the individual objectives for rehabilitation and therapy can be defined.

Possible disorders are for example:

Individually tailored objectives in therapy

In the afternoon,  as part of an interdisciplinary therapists assessment the guest will be introduced to representatives from each therapy area. The individually coordinated objectives and therapies are defined, always taking into consideration the wishes of the guests and/or relatives. The speech therapist are particularly concerned with those people who have problems in this area. The type of communication will be concluded where there is the presence of aphasia, apraxia and behavioral disorders.

The next day the neurological specialist doctors meet with the guests and once again evaluate the treatment plan and the prescribed medication.

Around one-third of all sufferers have recovered almost completely under the most optimal stroke therapy. "The range of stroke is wide" says Dr. Zelenka: "We have guests that have only very small disorders, but also the most difficult, tetraplegic rehabilitation cases". 

For young people, the primary concern is being reintroduced into everyday life and profession. For those with the most severe disabilities we try to acheive the restoration of normal domestic capabilities. 

Therapy posibilities

Combined use of different physiotherapy techniques are most effective for improving the function and motoric skills. Mobility is particularly promoted.

Likewise, electrostimulation for improving the control of movement and functional ability and electromechanical gait training for increasing the walking ability are put into use. In particular, an improvement in motor function and muscle strength of the upper extremities is achievable with electromechanical training or training with therapy robots.

The key aim for occupational therapy is the reintegration into the home environment by learning appropriate tasks, in order to master once again daily life skills or to facilitate the return to work. Speach therapy helps improve language skills and treats aphasia, apraxia and behavioral disorders. Cognitive training aims at improving alertness and sustained attention.

Dear Colleagues! All of the assessment team at the Klinik Pirawarth is always open for questions and suggestions and for the exchange of information. We are at your disposal should you wish to discuss with us any special request regarding your patient.

Frequently asked questions