Whether you are diagnosed with an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, you need to be treated as soon as possible. Your doctor will treat you in a stroke unit, where a team of specialists will oversee your care. They will assess your condition and treat any complications, including medication and rehabilitation. You may also need support from a community stroke nurse or a stroke association coordinator.
Treatment for an ischemic stroke begins with medical procedures to remove clots in the brain. Some medicines may also be administered to help prevent clots. The treatments are designed to improve the chances of a full recovery. The medical team will also make lifestyle recommendations, such as reducing alcohol and smoking. If the symptoms are related to a health condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, blood tests will be conducted.
Stroke treatment also includes physical therapy to help patients regain their mobility and function. Patients are taught to walk and move around using mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers. The goal is to regain function and independence, if possible. Rehabilitation can also include biofeedback therapy, which helps patients become aware of their muscle function.
If your stroke was caused by a blood clot in the carotid arteries, you may be able to have the clot removed through a surgical procedure. Carotid endarterectomy involves making an incision in the neck to remove a clot. If the clot is in a blood vessel in the brain, thrombolysis may be administered. The clot-busting medicine used in thrombolysis can reduce the disability you have from the stroke.
Some people may not be able to use thrombolysis, which is why you should call 911 if you find a patient who is unresponsive. You should also check the patient’s breathing and pulse. If the patient is unconscious, start CPR while waiting for an ambulance.
Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke can include medical procedures to clear the blood vessels that caused the stroke, such as angioplasty and stenting. If the blood vessel is damaged, it can be fixed using a mesh cylinder. This can help the brain get the blood it needs.
If your stroke was caused by an aneurysm, a coil embolization can be used to prevent the aneurysm from bursting. Your doctor will also do a Doppler ultrasound to check for narrowing in the neck’s blood vessels. He or she may also clip the aneurysm to prevent it from bursting.
Some people recover completely from their stroke. Others may still have the effects of their stroke after 24 hours. The most common recovery is in the first few months after the stroke. However, recovery may be slower after the first year. You may also have problems with emotional or social problems, which can be treated with medicine or counseling. You may also need to quit smoking, eat less alcohol, and lose weight.
Treatment for an ischemic stroke may also include medication to help prevent blood clots or reduce the risk of another stroke. Your doctor may also prescribe medicines to help keep blood pressure or blood sugar levels low.
