Cleric and TV personality Ustaz Riza Muhammad recently shared a touching story about caring for his mother who suffered a severe stroke.
Previously, his mother had experienced high blood pressure. It eventually led to the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, triggering a serious stroke. The incident has been a significant test for Ustaz Riza’s family. However, with great love and tireless efforts, Ustaz Riza continues providing his mother with the best care.
Ustaz Riza’s Mother’s Health Condition
Ustaz Riza’s mother was previously known to have uncontrolled hypertension. This condition continued to worsen until it caused a rupture of blood vessels in the brain – known as a haemorrhagic stroke. This condition is one of the deadliest types of stroke.
As a dutiful son, Ustaz Riza is directly involved in his mother’s daily care. He ensures that his mother receives the necessary therapy, including physical therapy, to help restore motor function. In addition, he also provides tremendous emotional support by always being by his mother’s side, especially at night after performing tahajud. The love he gave her mother proved to positively impact her mother’s health condition, which slowly began to show progress.
Stroke Symptoms
Stroke can occur suddenly and its symptoms are often overlooked. Therefore, it is important to recognise early signs so that medical intervention can be carried out as soon as possible. Stroke symptoms may vary depending on the area of the brain affected, but there are some common signs:
Sudden Weakness or Paralysis: One of the most common symptoms of stroke is sudden weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. The patient may have difficulty raising one arm or smiling properly.
Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Conversation: Stroke patients may have difficulty speaking or understanding conversations. They may speak slurred or experience sudden confusion.
Vision Impairment: Stroke may cause blurred, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Dizziness and Loss of Balance: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking can be signs of a stroke. This is especially true if accompanied by other symptoms.
Severe Headache: A sudden severe headache with no apparent cause can be a symptom. This, especially if accompanied by vomiting or loss of consciousness, could be an indication of a haemorrhagic stroke.
Recognising these symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to minimise brain damage and increase the chances of recovery.
Identifying Stroke Causes and Risk Factors
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is stopped or reduced, resulting in brain tissue damage. In the case of Ustaz Riza’s mother, the stroke was caused by uncontrolled hypertension, which led to a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, known as a haemorrhagic stroke. Haemorrhagic stroke is less common than ischaemic stroke but has a higher mortality rate.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the main risk factors for stroke, especially in Asia, where its prevalence is high due to a diet rich in salt, lack of physical activity, and high levels of stress. Hypertension causes blood vessel walls to become weak, making them prone to rupture, which can result in haemorrhagic stroke.
Management of hypertension involves lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and quitting smoking. Antihypertensive drugs are also important to keep blood pressure within normal limits. In Asia, public health campaigns that encourage regular blood pressure checks and education on the risks of hypertension are crucial in stroke prevention.
The Role of Therapy in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
After a stroke, the first critical phase is to stabilise the patient’s condition through appropriate medical intervention. However, the next step that is equally important is rehabilitation. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are the two main pillars in post-stroke rehabilitation that focus on restoring motor, cognitive and daily function.
In the case of Ustaz Riza’s mother, physical therapy involving activities such as swimming and walking was done to strengthen muscles and improve balance. It also helps improve blood circulation to the brain, which can support the healing process. Research shows that intensive physical therapy started soon after a stroke can improve recovery outcomes and speed up the return of lost function.
Occupational therapy, on the other hand, focuses on helping patients regain independence in performing daily activities such as eating, dressing and bathing. It often involves exercises tailored to the patient’s individual needs to improve fine motor skills and adapt the home environment to make it safer and supportive of recovery.
Compassion as a Vital Component in the Recovery Process
Emotional support from family, such as that provided by Ustaz Riza to his mother, plays a vital role in the recovery process of stroke patients. Research shows that stroke patients who receive strong emotional support from family tend to have better recovery rates and a lower risk of depression. The love and care provided by the family not only provides emotional comfort, but also increases the patient’s motivation to follow the rehabilitation programme.
Family support is also important in ensuring patient compliance with medication and therapy schedules. Stroke patients often need help in organising medication, attending therapy sessions, and adapting to lifestyle changes needed to prevent recurrent strokes.
Key in Stroke Management
In stroke management, time is a crucial factor. The quicker the medical intervention, the greater the chances of minimising brain damage and increasing the chances of recovery. In the case of a haemorrhagic stroke such as that experienced by Ustaz Riza’s mother, emergency treatment usually involves rapid lowering of blood pressure and stabilisation of the patient’s condition to prevent further bleeding.
Haemorrhagic stroke patients often require intensive care in hospital to monitor vital signs and prevent complications. Surgical procedures may be required to remove the blood clot or reduce pressure on the brain. Once the acute phase has passed, intensive rehabilitation becomes the main focus to help patients restore lost function and minimise long-term disability.
Integrating Compassion and Medical Treatment in Recovery
Ustaz Riza Muhammad’s story clearly illustrates the importance of integrating family affection and medical treatment in recovery. Compassion not only provides emotional support but also acts as a key motivator for patients facing post-stroke challenges. Meanwhile, prompt and appropriate medical intervention, followed by an intensive rehabilitation programme, is key in minimising brain damage and maximising recovery.
Photo credit: VOI
Have a pressing question for a doctor? Medical Channel Asia has launched a community forum page where you can get questions answered by a medical specialist. Visit the community forum here.
