Effectiveness of Ionic Correction along with Conventional Physiotherapy in Patients Recovering from Stroke: A Case Study

Background and Aims: Brain damage caused by stroke is associated with sensorimotor and/or cognitive impairment, depending on area of brain affected and the severity of attack. The aims of this study were to show the importance of physiotherapy associated with electrolyte and mineral balance through diet correction in patients recovering from stroke. Methods: This is a follow-up study of two patients with stroke followed at Kinshasa International Hospital Center during period from May 16 to July 1, 2020. The first had received physiotherapy with foods for correction of the existing ionic and mineral deficiency and the second had only received pharmacological management with conservative physiotherapy without making a change in diet. Clinical and electrolyte monitoring was performed at regular intervals in both patients. The variables of interest evaluated in both patients were FIM, MOTOR/SENSORY and Ionic balance. Results: The parameters of FIM, motors and sensory functions were improved during follow-up, however they remained disturbed in the control. Na+, Cl﹣, K+, Ca2+, and ionic Ca+ improved from intake to discharge. The biological parameters deteriorated during follow-up in the control. At Day 1, only K+ which was higher in the control than the case. At discharge, a significant drop in K+ control was noted (4.1 vs 3.4);of Na+ (142 vs 125) and of Cl﹣ (109 vs 85). Conclusion: The results show that ionic balance by diet correction associated with physiotherapy is more effective than conventional physiotherapy associated with pharmacological management.