Time is the biggest contributing factor in stroke treatment. In general, treatment depends upon the type of surgery the individual requires and the type of stroke he/she has suffered.
An individual gets a stroke, when the supply of blood to the brain gets interrupted. As a result, the brain loses its functioning. As blood supply gets blocked or interrupted, the supply of oxygen and various nutrients gets disturbed, which can eventually result in a mild stroke. It can also be defined as a brain shock or an attack. It is quite similar to a heart attack, the only difference being that it occurs in the brain. It is a dangerous medical condition and immediate care and treatment is the best way to relieve the patient.
Prompt diagnosis of stroke symptoms such as high blood sugar and stress on the brain may stop further damage and also, improve the chances of survival. People who have survived a stroke should opt for a rehabilitation program, which gives a detailed idea about the symptoms and treatment, as soon as possible. This increases the chances of recovering some of the abilities you have lost during a stroke.
Treatment Options
The key to successful treatment is, getting medical help as soon as possible, when you see signs of a stroke. Recovery from this ailment basically depends on the type, and length of time between the occurrence of the stroke and the beginning of a particular treatment. There are two types of treatment methods for strokes, let’s take a look at them.
Acute Ischemic Strokes
The best way to treat this condition is to remove blockage and start blood flow to the brain again. Doctors may use the following technique.
Clot Buster Medications: Doctors use clot busting drugs (thrombolytics) to dissolve blockage from arteries, minimizing the disability caused by the stroke. These antibiotics should be given within three hours after the victim has experienced symptoms. Unfortunately, most patients do not realize the seriousness of a stroke and don’t seek immediate medical care, which worsens their condition. One more effective medicine given to the stroke patient is aspirin. Aspirin suppresses the ability of platelets to clot, which minimizes the chances of death and disability caused by stroke. Various other methods of treatment are also administered.
Acute Hemorrhagic Strokes
Acute hemorrhagic treatment aims to close the ruptured artery to prevent more blood loss. Doctors use the following techniques in preventing such strokes.
Surgery: In most cases of hemorrhagic stroke, surgery has been a preferred option to seal the ruptured artery. During surgery process, metal clips are attached on the affected artery, so as to close the healthy part of the artery. During the surgery, doctors also remove extra blood, so pressure does not increase in the brain and cause damage.
Endovascular Treatment: In this process, doctors insert a tube called catheter into an artery (usually artery of the leg). A blood vessel guides this tube, until it reaches the affected area of the brain, which is at risk. Catheter is a stabilizer, which is inserted into the arterial wall for minimizing the risk of a stroke. Endovascular treatment is not as complicated as hemorrhagic surgery. It is used as a stroke prevention measure, more than a treatment.
The Treatment Timeline
Someone you love has suffered a stroke; the future now may seem uncertain. You have to take special care and ask your doctor about the recovery timeline. Below are some tips that might prove helpful in dealing with a stroke.
- There is no guaranteed stroke recovery time, but still your doctor will give you a rough idea about the prognosis. The recovery of the patient will depend upon the severity of the stroke and the damage that it has caused.
- Enroll the patient into a physical therapy program. Occupational therapists provide a guiding hand to patients and help them relearn daily activities.
- Give them a balanced diet, which fulfills the daily nutrition required by their body.
- You may also require special equipment to help with the patient’s daily activities. It includes, a wheelchair, walker, a special mattress or braces.
- Your doctor or therapist may advise some special recovery exercises, depending on the extent of disability of the patient.
- Your doctor may have advised a list of different medications for the patient. Make sure you understand each medication and also its potential side effects, before administering it to the patient.
Remember, most stroke survivors are at a higher risk of a second stroke. If someone experiences a stroke in your presence, never try to administer medicines yourself. It’s better to call 911 for immediate help.