Treatment FAQ

what are treatment options for a stroke

by Dr. Ayden Terry Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Treating ischaemic strokes
  • Thrombolysis – "clot buster" medicine. ...
  • Thrombectomy. ...
  • Aspirin and other antiplatelets. ...
  • Anticoagulants. ...
  • Blood pressure medicines. ...
  • Statins. ...
  • Carotid endarterectomy.

Medication

You and your therapists can be creative with finding ways to adapt to your environment as you recover. After a stroke, you can expect to be pushed hard with therapy. With dedication and a positive attitude, you will be amazed at what you can do with a little help along the road to recovery.

Procedures

What to eat

  • Black or green tea. Tea contains plant nutrients called flavonoids, which can help decrease cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables aren’t just good for your physical health. ...
  • Pomegranate. Pomegranate concentrate is high in antioxidants and phytosterols, which are plant steroids that lower cholesterol.

Therapy

  • Ashwagandha. Also known as Indian ginseng, ashwagandha has antioxidant properties that may prevent and treat stroke. ...
  • Bilberry. This berry may improve cholesterol and lower blood sugar.
  • Garlic. Preventing blood clotting and destroying plaque are two potential benefits of garlic.
  • Asian ginseng. ...
  • Gotu kola. ...
  • Turmeric. ...

Nutrition

Stem cell therapy is a promising procedure that may help individuals recover after a stroke. It works by transplanting stem cells into the brain tissue surrounding the location of the stroke. The stem cells boost the brain’s ability to release growth factors, molecules, and proteins that stimulate neuroplasticity and other recovery mechanisms.

See more

What to expect as you recover from a stroke?

What is the best natural treatment for stroke?

Are there alternative treatments for a stroke?

Is there a real treatment for stroke?

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How is a stroke immediately treated?

If you get to the hospital within 3 hours of the first symptoms of an ischemic stroke, you may get a type of medicine called a thrombolytic (a “clot-busting” drug) to break up blood clots. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a thrombolytic. tPA improves the chances of recovering from a stroke.

How treatable is a stroke?

Can stroke be cured? The short answer is yes, stroke can be cured — but it occurs in two stages. First, doctors administer specific treatment to restore normal blood flow in the brain. Then, the patient participates in rehabilitation to cure the secondary effects.

Can a stroke be treated with medication?

tPA is short for tissue plasminogen activator and can only be given to patients who are having a stroke caused by a blood clot (ischemic stroke). It can stop a stroke by breaking up the blood clot. It must be given as soon as possible and within 4½ hours after stroke symptoms start.

What are 3 treatments for a stroke?

Treating ischaemic strokesThrombolysis – "clot buster" medicine. ... Thrombectomy. ... Aspirin and other antiplatelets. ... Anticoagulants. ... Blood pressure medicines. ... Statins. ... Carotid endarterectomy.

How long are you in hospital after a stroke?

The typical length of a hospital stay after a stroke is five to seven days. During this time, the stroke care team will evaluate the effects of the stroke, which will determine the rehabilitation plan.

What is the number 1 cause of stroke?

High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and is the main cause for increased risk of stroke among people with diabetes. Talk to your doctor about ways to keep diabetes under control.

What happens in the first 3 days after a stroke?

During the first few days after your stroke, you might be very tired and need to recover from the initial event. Meanwhile, your team will identify the type of stroke, where it occurred, the type and amount of damage, and the effects. They may perform more tests and blood work.

What is the best therapy for stroke?

For most stroke patients, rehabilitation mainly involves physical therapy. The aim of physical therapy is to have the stroke patient relearn simple motor activities such as walking, sitting, standing, lying down, and the process of switching from one type of movement to another.

What is the chance of recovering from a stroke?

According to the National Stroke Association, 10 percent of people who have a stroke recover almost completely, with 25 percent recovering with minor impairments. Another 40 percent experience moderate to severe impairments that require special care.

How long do people live after a stroke?

A total of 2990 patients (72%) survived their first stroke by >27 days, and 2448 (59%) were still alive 1 year after the stroke; thus, 41% died after 1 year. The risk for death between 4 weeks and 12 months after the first stroke was 18.1% (95% CI, 16.7% to 19.5%).

What happens in the first 3 days after a stroke?

During the first few days after your stroke, you might be very tired and need to recover from the initial event. Meanwhile, your team will identify the type of stroke, where it occurred, the type and amount of damage, and the effects. They may perform more tests and blood work.

Can you reverse a stroke?

A clot-busting medication called tPA, or tissue plasminogen activator, can be given to someone if they're having a stroke, potentially reversing or stopping symptoms from developing. But it has to be given within 4.5 hours of the start of symptoms, Dr. Humbert says.

What is the best treatment for ischemic stroke?

Quick treatment not only improves your chances of survival but also may reduce complications. An IV injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) — also called alteplase (Activase) — is the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke.

What tests are done to check for stroke?

You may have several blood tests, including tests to check how fast your blood clots, whether your blood sugar is too high or low, and whether you have an infection. Computerized tomography (CT) scan.

What is the procedure to remove plaque from the carotid artery?

Carotid endarterectomy. Carotid arteries are the blood vessels that run along each side of your neck, supplying your brain (carotid arteries) with blood. This surgery removes the plaque blocking a carotid artery, and may reduce your risk of ischemic stroke.

What is the most common type of stroke?

The most common type of stroke – ischemic – is when a blood vessel is blocked and not enough blood flows to the brain. "Stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.".

How to deliver tpa to brain?

Medications delivered directly to the brain. Doctors insert a long, thin tube (catheter) through an artery in your groin and thread it to your brain to deliver tPA directly where the stroke is happening. The time window for this treatment is somewhat longer than for injected tPA, but is still limited.

What side of the brain does a stroke affect?

If your stroke affected the right side of your brain, your movement and sensation on the left side of your body may be affected. If your stroke damaged the brain tissue on the left side of your brain, your movement and sensation on the right side of your body may be affected.

How does TPA help with stroke?

This drug restores blood flow by dissolving the blood clot causing your stroke. By quickly removing the cause of the stroke, it may help people recover more fully from a stroke. Your doctor will consider certain risks, such as potential bleeding in the brain, to determine if tPA is appropriate for you.

What is the best medicine for a stroke?

If you get to the hospital within 3 hours of the first symptoms of an ischemic stroke, you may get a type of medicine called a thrombolytic (a “clot-busting” drug) to break up blood clots. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a thrombolytic. tPA improves the chances of recovering from a stroke.

What do you need to do after a stroke?

After a stroke, you may need rehabilitation ( rehab) to help you recover. Before you are discharged from the hospital, social workers can help you find care services and caregiver support to continue your long-term recovery.

What is the best way to get to the hospital for a stroke?

Stroke Treatment. Calling 9-1-1 at the first symptom of stroke can help you get to the hospital in time for lifesaving stroke care. Your stroke treatment begins the moment emergency medical services (EMS) arrives to take you to the hospital. Once at the hospital, you may receive emergency care, treatment to prevent another stroke, ...

Why do people go to the hospital for stroke?

Stroke patients who are taken to the hospital in an ambulance may get diagnosed and treated more quickly than people who do not arrive in an ambulance. 1 This is because emergency treatment starts on the way to the hospital. The emergency workers may take you to a specialized stroke center to ensure that you receive the quickest possible diagnosis ...

What type of doctor treats strokes?

Brain scans will show what type of stroke you had. You may also work with a neurologist who treats brain disorders, a neurosurgeon that performs surgery on the brain, or a specialist in another area of medicine.

How many days after TIA can you get a stroke?

The risk of stroke within 90 days of a TIA may be as high as 17%, with the greatest risk during the first week. 6. That’s why it’s important to treat the underlying causes of stroke, including heart disease, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (fast, irregular heartbeat), high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Do not drive to the hospital for a stroke?

Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. The key to stroke treatment and recovery is getting to the hospital quickly. Yet 1 in 3 stroke patients never calls 9-1-1. 1 Calling an ambulance means that medical staff can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.

Preventing Another Stroke

Don't let stroke strike twice. One in four stroke survivors has another.

Support That Lifts You Up

Our online community of survivors and caregivers is here to keep you going no matter the obstacles. We’ve been there, and we won’t let you go it alone.

What to do after stroke?

After treatment of stroke, doctors may recommend that you start working on healthy lifestyle changes which may include eating healthy, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking. Press Ctrl+D to bookmark this page. You might need it in the future. READ MORE.

How to treat a hemorrhagic stroke?

The stroke treatment methods for the type include: 1. Surgical treatment. Surgical treatment may be done to stop the bleeding if the stroke is caused by bleeding.

What is the difference between a hemorrhagic stroke and an ischemic stroke?

The ischemic stroke is caused by the lack of blood flow while the hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding of the blood vessel.

Why do people have strokes?

TELL FRIENDS. Strokes usually occur due to problems with the blood supply. It happens when one of the blood vessels in the brain is blocked by a blood clot. It can also occur due to the rupturing of the blood vessels. Having stroke is feared greatly especially by aging people. Though, 80 percent of stroke is preventable.

What is the device used to open a blocked artery?

This is also known as mechanical thrombectomy whereby trained doctors send a wire caged device called a stent retriever to the brain part where the blocked artery is located. The stent acts by opening and swallowing up the clot. 4. Use of Catheter.

How do doctors remove a clot from the brain?

In this procedure, doctors use a wire-cage device called a stent retriever. They thread a catheter through an artery in the groin up to the blocked artery in the brain. The stent opens and grabs the clot. Special suction tubes may also remove the clot.

What is the best way to remove a clot?

Mechanical Treatment to Remove the Clot. An endovascular procedure or a mechanical thrombectomy is a strongly recommended option to remove a clot in eligible patients with a large vessel occlusion, or LVO. In this procedure, doctors use a wire-cage device called a stent retriever.

What is Alteplase IV?

Medication Treatment with Alteplase IV r-tPA. Considered the gold standard, tissue plasminogen activator, r-tPA, (known as alteplase) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

How does Alteplase IV work?

Doctors administer Alteplase IV r-tPA through an IV in the arm, dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain being deprived. Many people don’t arrive at the hospital in time to receive the medication, which can save lives and reduce long-term effects of stroke.

What are the different types of strokes?

A stroke can be further classified into three major types: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic. These are distinguished based on how the blood flow to the brain was interrupted during the stroke and will require different medical treatment procedures.

What are the tasks of a stroke survivor?

Many people in post-stroke recovery need assistance taking medication, grooming, eating, and exercising. In some cases, helping a loved one recover from a stroke can be like a full-time job which lasts months and calls for caregiving skills family members don’t readily possess.

How do stroke survivors cope with depression?

Stroke survivors tend to develop negative thought patterns and depression as they adjust to the major changes in their lives. Studies have found that post-stroke patients with untreated emotional distress exhibited lower chances of recovery and survival. If a loved one is emotionally or mentally struggling after their stroke, it is important to speak with a Psychologist or Psychiatrist for support and treatment. There are also a number of support groups for stroke survivors and families to help them cope better during post-stroke recovery.

How do strokes affect people?

Strokes affect patients in different ways, both physically and psychologically. It is necessary to consult medical professionals regarding the type of care a loved one may require as they recover.

What is the most common type of stroke in Singapore?

An ischemic stroke is responsible for 74% of strokes, making it the most common type experienced in Singapore. It is caused by a blood clot that reduces proper circulation in the blood vessels and prevents the brain from receiving sufficient oxygen. Although ischemic strokes are more common, the recovery rate is higher than hemorrhagic strokes since they are less likely to cause adverse side effects.

How long does it take for a transient ischemic attack to resolve?

Generally, individuals temporarily experience difficulty speaking, seeing, or moving. While these symptoms can resolve themselves within 24 hours, it is important to consult a doctor immediately to diagnose and treat the blood clot sites in the brain that are disrupting circulation.

Does Ninkatec help with stroke?

Ninkatec offers cost-effective, quality home care services for elderly clients with medical problems such as stroke. After a comprehensive medical assessment, our team of specialists will recommend a care plan that best suits the needs of the client recovering from a stroke:

What are the best exercises to help with stroke?

Your rehabilitation plan will depend on the part of the body or type of ability affected by your stroke. Physical activities might include: Motor-skill exercises. These exercises can help improve your muscle strength and coordination. You might have therapy to strengthen your swallowing. Mobility training.

Why is stroke rehabilitation important?

The goal of stroke rehabilitation is to help you relearn skills you lost when a stroke affected part of your brain. Stroke rehabilitation can help you regain independence and improve your quality of life.

How long does it take to recover from a stroke?

Therapeutic factors, including an early start to your rehabilitation and the skill of your stroke rehabilitation team. The rate of recovery is generally greatest in the weeks and months after a stroke. However, there is evidence that performance can improve even 12 to 18 months after a stroke.

What kind of doctor is needed for stroke rehabilitation?

Specialists who can help with physical needs include: Physicians. Your primary care doctor — as well as neurologists and specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation — can guide your care and help prevent complications.

How soon after a stroke can you go to the hospital?

Prevent another stroke. Limit any stroke-related complications. It's common for stroke rehabilitation to start as soon as 24 to 48 hours after your stroke, while you're in the hospital.

What is noninvasive brain stimulation?

Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation have been used with some success in a research setting to help improve a variety of motor skills. Biological therapies, such as stem cells, are being investigated, but should only be used as part of a clinical trial.

What to consider before leaving a hospital?

Factors to consider include your needs, what insurance will cover, and what is most convenient for you and your family. The options include: Inpatient rehabilitation units.

What is the treatment for a stroke caused by a bleed in the brain?

For strokes caused by a bleed within the brain (hemorrhagic stroke), or by an abnormal tangle of blood vessels (AVM), surgical treatment may be done to stop the bleeding.

What happens when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and spills blood into the brain?

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and spills blood into brain tissue.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Treatment Outcomes

Clinical Trials

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment is based on the type of stroke. For ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, medication or surgery or both can be recommended and for hemorrhagic stroke, surgery is recommended.
Medication

Clot dissolver: To dissolve clots and reopen arteries.

Plasminogen activator (tPA)


Anticoagulants: Has the effect of retarding or inhibiting the coagulation of blood.

Aspirin . Clopidogrel

Procedures

Catheter mediated intra-arterial thrombolysis: To attain reperfusion in case of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Angioplasty and stent placement: Widens the blocked artery and a stent is placed.

Aneurysm clipping: To treat a balloon-like bulge of an artery wall known as an aneurysm.

Coil embolization: To treat aneurysm that may have caused hemorrhagic stroke.

Carotid endarterectomy: To correct stenosis (narrowing) in the common carotid artery or internal carotid artery.

AVM removal: Carried out in case of hemorrhagic stroke.

Therapy

Rehabilitation:The rehabilitation is advised to start as early as possible upon recovery. Rehabilitation program will be decided as per the necessity and usually focuses on speech therapy; cognitive therapy; sensory and motor skills; and physical therapy.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Fruits and vegetables: eat plenty of fruit and vegetables; between 5-7 servings per day
  • Whole grain breads and cereals containing fiber and vitamins: They may reduce the risk of stroke
  • Lean protein: Limiting the amount of cholesterol is another important step in reducing the risk of another stroke
  • Choose low-fat meats or other protein
  • Limit salt: Eating too much salt/sodium may cause you to retain water and raise your blood pressure

Foods to avoid:

  • Heavy cholesterol foods
  • foods rich in salt and sugar
  • Alcohol

Specialist to consult

Neurologist
Specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves.
Neuroradiologist
Specializes in the use of radioactive substances, x-rays and scanning devices for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system.
Occupational therapist
A healthcare professional who helps in development, recovery, or management of everyday activities, or occupations.
Speech therapist
A health professional who specializes in evaluating and treating voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorders.
Physical therapist
A health professional who helps patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility.

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

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