In a new entry in our series "CUREosity Explains," we take a closer look at what a stroke is, its causes, and treatment options. We demonstrate that VR therapy is increasingly recommended for stroke rehabilitation and that our CUREO system is specifically designed for such therapy.

Definition and Causes of Stroke

A stroke,also known as an apoplexy, is a sudden disruption of blood circulation in the brain that can lead to neurological deficits. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and one of the most common causes of disability in adults. 40% of stroke survivors experience long-term limitations in daily activities.

There are two main types:

• Ischemic stroke (approximately 80-85%): Caused by a blockage of a blood vessel, leading to oxygen and nutrient deficiency in the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke (approximately 10-15%): Caused by bleeding in the brain, increasing intracranial pressure and damaging nerve structures.

Symptoms and Quick Action with the FAST Test

Common stroke symptoms include:

• Sudden speech and vision impairments
• Hemiparesis (one-sided paralysis)
• Severe headaches without an apparent cause
• Dizziness, nausea, and memory impairment
• Altered consciousness, potentially leading to a coma

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The FAST test helps identify a stroke quickly:

• Face: Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Can the person lift both arms at the same time?
• Speech: Is the speech slurred or unclear?
• Time: Call emergency services immediately and report a "suspected stroke" (112)!

Every minute counts: Up to 1.9 million neurons can be irreversibly damaged per minute.

Treatment and Rehabilitation After a Stroke

In hospitals, brain hemorrhages are primarily identified through CT scans. The acute treatment often involves thrombolysis (medication to dissolvea blood clot) or mechanical thrombectomy (catheter-assisted removal of a clot). After addressing the acute cause, early rehabilitation should begin, including diagnostics for deficits (e.g., swallowing disorders) and therapies to prevent further deterioration and maximize recovery. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are commonly used approaches.

VR-Based Therapy for Stroke Patients

Accordingto the S3 Guidelines of the German Society for Neurorehabilitation (DGNR), the following is noted:

"The effectiveness of VR-based therapies varied in the evaluated studies. Superiority was most evident when VR therapy was used in addition to conventional rehabilitation and at sufficient intensity. The therapy content and dosage of each system should be tailored to individual therapy goals. Specialized rehabilitation systems may be more effective than commercial gaming consoles, and the use of a haptic interface can be beneficial." (S3Guidelines DGNR, p. 127-128).

The S3Guidelines serve as an evidence-based recommendation for various rehabilitation methods, offering therapists a scientifically grounded decision-making basis. The guidelines highlight that VR therapy, particularly in combination with conventional therapies, can have positive effects on motor rehabilitation. Additionally, they emphasize that VR systems specifically designed for rehabilitation may be therapeutically more effective than commercial gaming consoles.

CUREO as VR Therapy for Stroke

CUREO is designed for the motor and cognitive rehabilitation of stroke patients, whether ischemic or hemorrhagic, with residual hemiplegia/paresis. It enables additional therapy options that are not feasible in conventional rehabilitation and is recognized by the DGNR as a supportive rehabilitation method.

CUREO offers:

• Flexible, seamless adaptation of therapy methods and parameters to match individual therapy needs
• Personalized adjustments by the therapist without disrupting the patient’s immersive therapy environment
• Multimodal and multisensory guidance with immediate feedback
• Unilateral, bilateral, or mixed arm training, with the option to prioritize one body side
• Integration of mirror therapy into the rehabilitation process if required

CUREO also enhances patient motivation and extends beyond physiotherapy and occupational therapy by offering relaxation exercises in the "Relax" module. In the "Daily" module, patients can prepare for everyday household activities while working on visual field expansion and cognitive training.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on current scientific research and practical experience with the CUREO® system in the context of physician-prescribed rehabilitation measures. Individual therapy outcomes and effects cannot be guaranteed. This article does not replace professional medical or therapeutic consultation.

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