A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). This leads to brain cell damage and can result in various impairments or disabilities. One common consequence of stroke is paralysis, which can manifest as weakness or loss of movement in one or more parts of the body. This condition is known as hemiparesis.

Causative factors for strokes can vary but generally include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol levels, physical inactivity, and certain medical conditions or medications. Other risk factors include age, family history, and prior history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to stroke and related conditions. This may involve a comprehensive assessment of a person’s medical history, lifestyle factors, nutritional status, hormone imbalances, inflammation levels, and genetic predispositions. Treatment approaches in functional medicine for stroke and paralysis can include dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, optimizing hormonal balance, managing inflammatory markers, stress reduction techniques, and promoting cardiovascular health through exercise and other lifestyle modifications.