Having a stroke is a serious medical condition. It can cause paralysis, weakness, and trouble with memory, thinking, and speech. The sooner you get treatment, the lower the chance of permanent brain damage and death. Symptoms can occur within minutes or up to an hour after the stroke occurs.
A stroke may occur when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or ruptured. It can happen when a plaque builds up in the arteries that lead to the brain. These plaques may be too big to clear without surgery. In some cases, the blood vessel may be inflated with a stent. This prevents it from bursting and bleeding. Other treatments may be prescribed to reduce the risk of complications from a stroke.
The goal of stroke rehabilitation is to help the patient regain independence. It includes working with a team of therapists to help the patient relearn their daily activities. These treatments include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Each of these treatments can help the patient regain strength and regain coordination. The rehabilitation process also helps the patient deal with emotional responses and change their lifestyle.
The patient may also need to go to physical therapy in the hospital, clinic, or a skilled nursing home. The therapists will work with the patient to improve coordination and balance. If the patient has speech or swallowing problems, a feeding tube may be placed. In addition to therapy, patients may be given medicine that helps them prevent a second stroke.
In cases of hemorrhagic stroke, the patient may be given medicine to counteract blood thinners. Anticoagulants are also used to prevent blood clots from growing. Other treatments may be prescribed to prevent other medical conditions that increase the risk of stroke. These treatments include medicines that help lower blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels.
Thrombolytic drugs are used to dissolve existing clots. These drugs must be given within three to four hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. If the patient does not have access to these drugs, another option is mechanical thrombectomy. In this procedure, the patient is hooked up to a catheter, which is a thin tube that is fed through arteries in the neck and groin. The catheter is then guided into the brain. A straight wire inside the catheter pokes out from the clot and then is pulled back into the clot. The wire is then expanded into a mesh that clears the clot of blood.
Stroke is more common in people with diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol misuse, and recreational drug use. These risks increase with age. A healthy lifestyle can also reduce your risk of a stroke. A healthy diet is low in saturated fats, salt, and trans fats. Also, exercise is recommended. Exercise helps strengthen the heart.
Symptoms of a stroke vary depending on the location of the stroke. Common symptoms include one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, and loss of vision or numbness in an arm or leg. If you experience these symptoms, call 911. A doctor will determine the best treatment for you.
