Simeon Terziev is a physiotherapist specializing in neurology. He works at NEUROREHABILITATION IZGREV in Sofia, Bulgaria, treating patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal stroke, multiple sclerosis, Friedreich\u2019s ataxia, Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and other disorders of the nervous system.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
He graduated from the National Sports Academy \u201cVasil Levski\u201d, Department of Kinesitherapy and Rehabilitation. He has extensive clinical experience in multidisciplinary hospitals providing acute medical care and has completed specialized therapeutic courses in the field of physiotherapy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Simeon Terziev is a member of the International Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Alliance (ISRRA).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
At NEUROREHABILITATION IZGREV, patients with spinal cord injuries and conditions such as spinal stroke are treated on a daily basis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Mr. Terziev, what is a spinal stroke and how does it differ from a cerebral stroke?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A spinal stroke is a rare but serious condition in which the blood supply to the spinal cord is interrupted. This leads to ischemia, tissue damage, and acute dysfunction of the spinal cord. As a result, acute neurological deficits develop, depending on the area supplied by the affected vessel \u2014 the anterior spinal artery or one of the two posterior spinal arteries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Unlike a cerebral stroke, a spinal stroke does not typically cause speech, visual, or consciousness disturbances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What are the main types of spinal stroke?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u2013 Ischemic spinal stroke: The most common type, caused by blockage of an artery by a blood clot (thrombus or embolus) or by severe narrowing of the blood vessels.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u2013 Hemorrhagic spinal stroke: A less common type caused by rupture of a blood vessel, resulting in bleeding within or around the spinal cord.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How common is spinal stroke?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Spinal stroke is a rare condition compared with cerebral stroke and accounts for approximately 0.3%\u20131% of all strokes. Population-based studies estimate its incidence at approximately 3.1 cases per 100,000 people.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Spinal stroke also shows a different sex distribution compared with classical cerebral stroke and traumatic spinal cord injuries. While traumatic spinal injuries predominantly affect men, medical statistics regarding non-traumatic spinal stroke suggest the opposite, with a higher overall incidence among women. Available statistics indicate approximately 4.6 cases per 100,000 women, compared with 1.5 cases per 100,000 men.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Despite this difference, the average age of onset is similar in men and women, most commonly occurring between 50 and 70 years of age.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What are the most common causes and risk factors for developing a spinal stroke?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The causes and risk factors are diverse, and in some cases the exact cause cannot be identified even after extensive investigation. The most common include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Many of the risk factors overlap with those associated with cerebral stroke, including smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and others.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What are the first symptoms of spinal stroke that may indicate this condition?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Symptoms usually develop suddenly, within minutes to several hours. They depend on which part of the spinal cord is affected.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The most characteristic symptoms include acute, band-like pain in the neck or lower back, progressive para- or quadriplegia, sensory disturbances, and bladder or bowel dysfunction.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Can spinal stroke be prevented?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Because spinal stroke is a rare condition, there are no specific prevention recommendations that differ significantly from those for other vascular diseases.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Important preventive measures include controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, controlling cholesterol levels, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and maintaining overall cardiovascular health.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What diagnostic tests are used to establish an accurate diagnosis?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Diagnostic evaluation may include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Rehabilitation is one of the most important components of treatment following a spinal stroke. It should begin as early as possible after the patient’s condition has been stabilized. The primary goal is to help the patient achieve the greatest possible level of independence in the shortest appropriate period of time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The rehabilitation plan depends on the severity and location of the spinal cord injury. Key objectives include preventing complications, restoring muscle strength and motor function, educating patients and their families about safe mobility and home care, gait training, and the appropriate use of assistive devices.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It is recommended that rehabilitation be provided by therapists specialized in neurological rehabilitation, preferably in centers equipped with the necessary facilities and technology to provide appropriate and comprehensive rehabilitation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n How do you provide therapy for patients with spinal stroke at NEUROREHABILITATION IZGREV?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n First and foremost, effective rehabilitation requires knowledge, clinical experience, and a compassionate approach to patients. We treat every patient individually, with understanding, patience, and empathy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We conduct a thorough assessment of each patient’s neurological deficits and develop an individualized neurorehabilitation plan aimed at maximizing functional recovery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n At NEUROREHABILITATION IZGREV, we place great importance on evidence-based results and a clear professional treatment plan, with an emphasis on the individual approach, an experienced team, and modern facilities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Instead of making empty promises, the focus should be on achieving real functional independence and patient safety. Our therapy is goal-oriented and designed to support neuroplasticity and maximize the functional potential of the spinal cord.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n We have experience treating many patients with similar spinal cord lesions who have regained mobility through our comprehensive neurorehabilitation approach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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