Treatment FAQ

what is a treatment for a stroke

by Kayli Ratke Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Emergency IV medication.
An IV injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) — also called alteplase (Activase) or tenecteplase (TNKase) — is the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke. An injection of TPA is usually given through a vein in the arm within the first three hours.
Jan 20, 2022

Medication

Apr 05, 2022 · Treating ischemic 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.

Procedures

Once under the care of a medical team, and diagnosis confirmed, a patient will receive emergency stroke treatment, which may include breathing support and IV fluids; medications to break up blood clots; medications and therapies to reduce brain swelling and protect the brain; and brain surgery to remove clots, reduce pressure or repair bleeds.

Therapy

Jun 07, 2019 · After a stroke, your doctor may prescribe oral drugs, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin). These are used to thin your blood in …

Nutrition

The higher survival rates are largely due to medical treatment advances. The right care — done the right away — can save both lives and quality of life. Learn more about the …

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Jan 20, 2022 · Every stroke is different, and so every person's road to recovery is different. Management of a stroke often involves a care team with several specialties. This may include a neurologist and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, among others.

What to expect as you recover from a stroke?

Apr 20, 2022 · The first step in treatment is to take medications that dissolve clots and prevent new ones from developing. A doctor may prescribe blood thinners such as aspirin or a tissue plasminogen activator...

How to recover from a stroke quickly and naturally?

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. If the bleed is caused by a ruptured aneurysm (swelling of the vessel that breaks), a metal clip may be placed surgically at the base of the aneurysm to secure it.

How can I get better after a stroke?

The goals of stroke recovery and rehabilitation are to help stroke survivors live as independently as possible while adjusting to new limitations. Find out more.

Why must a stroke be treated immediately?

“The stroke world was relegated pretty much to monitoring patients’ progress. Many patients died or became permanently disabled.” Treatment with rtPA meant strokes caught quickly enough could be treated, giving patients who met criteria for the drug’s use much greater odds of a favorable outcome.

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What are 3 treatments for a stroke?

Stroke treatmentClot-breaking drugs. Thrombolytic drugs can break up blood clots in your brain's arteries, which still stop the stroke and reduce damage to the brain. ... Mechanical thrombectomy.Stents. ... Surgery. ... Medications. ... Coiling. ... Clamping. ... Surgery.

What is the most important treatment for a stroke patient?

For an ischemic stroke—a stroke caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel that supplies blood to the brain—treatment involves either busting the clot or physically removing it. For many patients, the blood clot can be treated with clot-dissolving medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or tenecteplase (TNK).Mar 25, 2022

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 are the 5 warning signs of a stroke?

5 Warning Signs of StrokeSudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body).Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes.Sudden difficulty walking or dizziness, loss of balance or problems with coordination.More items...•May 13, 2016

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.

How to evaluate stroke care?

One way to evaluate the care of patients diagnosed with stroke is to look at the percentage of patients receiving the timely and effective care measures that are appropriate. The goal is 100 percent.

What tests are needed for a brain tumor?

That means you'll have a CT scan or other imaging test soon after arrival. Doctors also need to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as a brain tumor or a drug reaction. Some of the tests you may have include: Stroke consultation. Stroke consultation at Mayo Clinic. CT scan of brain tissue damaged by stroke.

How long do you have to be monitored after a stroke?

After emergency treatment, you'll be closely monitored for at least a day. After that, stroke care focuses on helping you recover as much function as possible and return to independent living. The impact of your stroke depends on the area of the brain involved and the amount of tissue damaged.

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create a detailed image of your brain. A CT scan can show bleeding in the brain, an ischemic stroke, a tumor or other conditions. Doctors may inject a dye into your bloodstream to view your blood vessels in your neck and brain in greater detail (computerized tomography angiography).

Can you remove an AVM?

However, it's not always possible to remove an AVM if it's located deep within the brain , it's large, or its removal would cause too much of an impact on brain function. Stereotactic radiosurgery.

What does it mean when you think about a stroke?

A stroke – if you think about it as interruption of blood flow to the brain, either there isn't enough blood flow getting to the brain or there's too much.

What happens when the brain loses oxygen?

When the brain loses blood or oxygen even for a few minutes, it can cause a loss of brain function and serious life-long issues with speech, movement, thinking and body control.

What is the most important part of stroke treatment?

The most important part of stroke treatment is getting it fast. acronym “FAST” is an easy way to remember the main symptoms to be aware of in order to help someone who may be having a stroke: face drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty.

What is the treatment for a stroke?

Once under the care of a medical team, and diagnosis confirmed, a patient will receive emergency stroke treatment, which may include breathing support and IV fluids; medications to break up blood clots; medications and therapies to reduce brain swelling and protect the brain; and brain surgery to remove clots, reduce pressure or repair bleeds.

What is the best way to prevent stroke?

It’ll likely include a combination of exercise, a healthier diet, and medications such as aspirin. If you smoke, quitting smoking is an important lifestyle change for stroke prevention.

How long does it take for a stroke to start?

They occur when a blood clot blocks blood flow to your brain. Medication treatment for this type of stroke must start within 4.5 hours of the event, according to 2018 guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA).

What are the symptoms of a syringe?

You may need rehabilitation or corrective measures to also help with: 1 coordination 2 balance 3 vision 4 bowel or bladder control 5 speech 6 swallowing 7 fine motor activity, such as writing or drawing

Why are statins used in stroke prevention?

These are used to thin your blood in order to reduce the risk of stroke in the future. Statins have also been shown to reduce the incidence of future stroke.

What happens when the brain is cut off?

A stroke occurs when the blood flow to a specific part of your brain is cut off. When this happens, the cells don’t get oxygen and begin to die, causing numerous symptoms. The most common symptoms are changes in speech and numbness or weakness of the face, legs, or arms.

How does a stroke affect you?

How a stroke affects you depends on the location in your brain where the stroke occurs. Evaluation and treatment for a stroke should begin as soon as possible. The quicker emergency treatment begins, the greater the chance of preventing lasting damage. Treatment depends on the type of stroke you’re having.

What is the best medication to break up a clot?

Your doctor may also administer drugs to break up clots. A common intravenous (IV) drug is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). It’s given during an active stroke if the person is a good candidate. This medication works to stop a stroke by dissolving the clot that’s causing it.

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What happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications.

How do you know if you have a stroke?

You may experience confusion, slur your words or have difficulty understanding speech. Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg.

Can you tell if you have a stroke or a TIA?

Seek emergency care even if you think you've had a TIA because your symptoms got better. It's not possible to tell if you're having a stroke or TIA based only on your symptoms. If you've had a TIA, it means you may have a partially blocked or narrowed artery leading to your brain.

What does it mean when your arm goes numb?

Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg. You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of your body. Try to raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a stroke.

How does a stroke affect your speech?

Difficulty talking or swallowing. A stroke might affect control of the muscles in your mouth and throat, making it difficult for you to talk clearly, swallow or eat. You also may have difficulty with language, including speaking or understanding speech, reading, or writing. Memory loss or thinking difficulties.

Does alcohol affect sleep apnea?

Alcohol may also interact with other drugs you're taking. However, drinking small to moderate amounts of alcohol, such as one drink a day, may help prevent ischemic stroke and decrease your blood's clotting tendency. Talk to your doctor about what's appropriate for you. Treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

What to do if you have a stroke?

If you observe any of these signs, call 911 or emergency medical help immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Don't wait to see if symptoms stop. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Treatment Outcomes

Clinical Trials

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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