Stroke

A stroke is a cerebral vascular accident that causes a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain. Poor blood flow to brain cells means a lack of oxygen, which in some cases can be fatal. One person in ten successfully recovers total physical and mental capacities after a stroke. However, more than one half of stroke victims must learn to live with post-stroke symptoms, such as:

• Speech and language difficulties
• Partial or complete paralysis of one half of the body (hemiplegia)
• Impaired memory
• Behavior modifications
• Chronic fatigue

The risk of acute damage is dependent on the size of the oxygen-deprived region.

Forerunner symptoms include:

• Dizziness and sudden loss of balance
• Loss of strength and / or sensitivity in one arm, one leg, half of the face or all of one side of the body
• Sudden difficulty finding or expressing words (incomprehensible sentences or words)
• Sudden loss of vision in one eye or visual field

Physiotherapy rehabilitation

• Stimulate joint and muscle function
• Promote correct muscle tone to enable better motor function
• Promote early stepping verticalization
• Favor lower limb loading
• Work on balance and coordination
• Work on gait and movement activities

Adapted physical activity rehabilitation

• Optimal stimulation and exercise of impaired limbs or body side using fitness equipment and/ or appropriate sports activities
• Improve physical condition to combat post-stroke fatigue

Occupational therapy rehabilitation

• Regain optimal independence in daily life activities: washing, dressing, cooking and shopping as well as administrative and financial tasks
• Stimulate self-directed bed, toilet and car transfers
• Recover sensitivity loss or diminution
• Stimulate injured upper limb motor skills and integrate these in bi-manual activities
• Restore functional hand movement: dexterity work, finger dissociation, precision, skill, strength and writing
• Develop an upper limb positioning orthoses
• Improve balance (Wii Balance Board)
• Evaluate and set up all necessary equipment and home assistance to ensure a successful return-home transition

Neuropsychological rehabilitation

Neuropsychology makes use of preserved abilities in order to rehabilitate and/or compensate for impaired cognitive skills. It focuses on improving:

• Memory skills
• Executive functions (i.e. multitasking, planning daily tasks...)
• Attention disorders (i.e. speed of information processing)
• Unilateral spatial neglect symptoms

Several approaches are used, such as:

• Cognitive skill games
• Specific computer software tools (Rehacom, iGerip, Cogniplus®)
• Pencil-and-paper exercises
• Prismatic adaptation
• Memory notebook implementation

Speech and language therapy rehabilitation

Speech and language therapy focuses on improving speech, voice and swallowing disorders.

Diverse therapeutic activities include:

• Oral and written expression/comprehension
• Vocal exercises
• Articulation exercises
• Orofacial motor exercises
• Therapeutic diets (restoring nutrition, food texture adaptation, techniques to protect airway passage)

Our speech therapists implement alternative communication procedures to help patients improve family/friend interactions. Speech therapy also plays a key role in the recovery of facial paralysis.

Rehabilitation clinic

Neurorehabilitation is a key step in helping patients to safely and smoothly return to everyday life.

Clinique Valmont offers rehabilitation programmes for patients recovering from a stroke. The clinic delivers first-class medical care and treatment in an idyllic setting with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. A specialist doctor works closely with a highly qualified team of therapists, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, neuropsychologists, nurses, sports coaches and a dietitian, in order to support patients with their rehabilitation.

Swiss Medical Network patients can enjoy exclusive benefits during their rehabilitation programme at Clinique Valmont.

The clinic has partnered with all supplementary health insurance providers.