Treatment FAQ

what is follow up treatment for a stroke

by Zane Rippin Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Timing the follow-up
Typically, if no active neurology issues persist, neurologists recommend that patients return to their internist within a few weeks of the stroke, even if they are seeing other specialists or are undergoing physical therapy or speech therapy. Some say that the sooner that happens, the better.

Medication

Stroke Treatment. 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, rehabilitation to treat the side effects of stroke, or all three.

Procedures

The stroke workup begins in the hospital to find out what the cause of the stroke was and initiate treatment. However, oftentimes that workup has to continue after discharge and it’s a process of getting to the answer of what may have caused the stroke.

Therapy

Doctors will try to find the cause of your stroke to determine the most appropriate treatment. If you're seeking your doctor's advice during a scheduled appointment, your doctor will evaluate your risk factors for stroke and heart disease.

Nutrition

Therapy sessions are conducted up to six times each day while the patient is at the hospital, which helps evaluate the damage caused by the stroke and jump-start the recovery. Activities of daily living (ADL) become the focus of rehabilitation after a stroke.

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What kind of treatment do you get after a stroke?

What is a stroke workup?

How does a doctor determine the most appropriate treatment for stroke?

How many times a day do you do therapy after a stroke?

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What is the treatment following a stroke?

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.

What are 2 types of therapy often needed after a stroke?

Stroke survivors may require:Speech therapy.Physical therapy and strength training.Occupational therapy (relearning skills required for daily living)Psychological counseling.

Do you need a follow up MRI after stroke?

Based on clinical experience, we hypothesized that follow-up brain imaging is not needed in stroke patients who clinically improved in the NIHSS score after rt-PA administration.

What are 3 therapies most people need after having a stroke?

What is stroke rehabilitation? Rehab can include working with speech, physical, and occupational therapists. Speech therapy helps people who have problems producing or understanding speech. Physical therapy uses exercises to help you relearn movement and coordination skills you may have lost because of the stroke.

What rehab is needed after 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 kind of rehab do you need after a stroke?

A physical therapy program may include exercises to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and regain range of motion; and constraint-induced therapy, in which an unaffected limb is immobilized, causing the person to use the affected limb to regain movement and function.

What will a neurologist do after a stroke?

Rehabilitation specialists providing care may include physical, occupational, and speech therapists. The neurologist can work with each member of the care team to make sure you are getting the exact services you need, monitor your progress, and adjust medications if needed.

What do neurologist do for stroke patients?

As part of the hospital team, vascular neurologists: Quickly and accurately interpret diagnostic tests such as: CT scans, which help identify a stroke diagnosis and the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) so the right treatment and next steps can be taken.

Which type of stroke affects speech?

When stroke affects speech, it's often the result of a left hemisphere stroke. This is because the language center of the brain resides in the left hemisphere.

How long should you take blood thinners after a stroke?

Initial treatment If you have a stroke and your brain scan confirms that it has been caused by a blood clot, you will probably be given a daily dose of aspirin, which you will need to take for up to two weeks.

What should you not do after a stroke?

Three Things Not to Do When Someone Is Having a StrokeDo not let that person go to sleep or talk you out of calling 911. Stroke survivors often complain of suddenly feeling very sleepy when a stroke first happens. ... Do not give them medication, food, or drinks. ... Do not drive yourself or someone else to the emergency room.

What is the most critical time after a stroke?

The results strongly suggest that there is a critical time window for rehabilitation following a stroke. For this study, that window was 2-3 months after stroke onset. Larger clinical trials are needed to better pin down the timing and duration of this critical window.

What is the importance of follow up care after a stroke?

Curiale explains the importance of follow up care after a stroke, recovery treatment options and BMC's recognition from the American Stroke Association for the involvement in Get With The Guidelines® program which helps patients receive the benefits of the latest guidelines-based treatment.

What is the purpose of a stroke workup?

The stroke workup begins in the hospital to find out what the cause of the stroke was and initiate treatment. However, oftentimes that workup has to continue after discharge and it’s a process of getting to the answer of what may have caused the stroke.

How long does it take to recover from a stroke?

Dr. Curiale: Sure so, every patient is different and the capability for recovery is different with every patient as well. Recovery can take place over several months after a stroke.

Is a stroke a recurrent stroke?

Those are recurrent strokes. They are still avoidable if risk factors can be appropriately and adequately modified. So, stroke risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and risk factors such as these which are potentially modifiable and treatable.

Is stroke a disability?

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality in the United States and across the world. And when many of us think about stroke we’ve heard the message about FAST, face, arms, speech, time and the importance of getting to the emergency room immediately to get care for your stroke.

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 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 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 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 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.

Abstract

After a stroke, a person has an increased risk of recurrent strokes. Effective secondary prevention can provide significant gains in the form of reduced disability and mortality.

Background

Ischemic stroke is a frequent disorder with extensive personal and social consequences. In the Western world, stroke is regarded the third most common cause of death [ 1 ]. In Norway, about 15,000 persons suffer a stroke each year, and a 50% increase is expected in the period 2010–2030 [ 2 ].

Methods

The study took place in Møre og Romsdal County in Western Norway. This is an affluent area with good access to primary and secondary health care. In 2016 the county had the highest life expectancy for boys and the second highest for girls among all 19 Norwegian counties [ 19 ].

Results

Among 100 invited GPs, 37 agreed to participate. These 37 GPs had a total of 138 stroke patients from 2011 and 2012 on their lists. We invited all these 138 patients to participate in the study, and 51 gave their written consent. Age varied from 38 to 90 years (mean 68.5 years). Thirty (59%) were male and 21 (41%) female.

Discussion

In this study we examined the follow-up of patients with stroke in general practice. We compared the recommendations in the national guidelines with clinical practice in real life. Nearly all patients had their blood pressure measured within the first year of follow-up in general practice.

Conclusions

Although patients frequently consulted their GPs in the first year after a stroke, most consultations were concerned with issues other than the stroke. When stroke was an issue, the recommendations in the guidelines were often not adhered to.

Acknowledgements

The authors of this study would like to thank all the participating GPs for taking their time to facilitate the data collection. We would also like to thank Helse Møre og Romsdal HF for help in identifying the patients and Helfo for identifying the GPs.

What is the best treatment for stroke?

One innovative technique is noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS), which uses weak electrical currents to stimulate areas of the brain associated with specific tasks like movement or speech. This stimulation can help boost the effects of therapy.

What to do if you have a stroke on day 1?

Day 1: Initial Treatment. If you experience a stroke, you will likely be initially admitted to an emergency department to stabilize your condition and determine the type of stroke. If it is caused by a blood clot (ischemic stroke), clot-busting medication can help reduce long-term effects if you are treated in time.

What are the activities of daily living after a stroke?

Activities of daily living (ADL) become the focus of rehabilitation after a stroke. ADL typically include tasks like bathing or preparing food. But you should also talk with your care team about activities important to you, such as performing a work-related skill or a hobby, to help set your recovery goals.

How long does it take to recover from a stroke?

The 6-Month Mark and Beyond. After six months, improvements are possible but will be much slower. Most stroke patients reach a relatively steady state at this point. For some, this means a full recovery. Others will have ongoing impairments, also called chronic stroke disease.

What are the long term effects of stroke?

The long-term effects of stroke — which vary from person to person, depending on the stroke’s severity and the area of the brain affected — may include: 1 Cognitive symptoms like memory problems and trouble speaking 2 Physical symptoms such as weakness, paralysis and difficulty swallowing 3 Emotional symptoms like depression and impulsivity 4 Heavy fatigue and trouble sleeping

What kind of doctor can help with stroke?

A neurologist, who understands the mechanisms behind stroke-related brain injury and can suggest customized treatments to target the affected area of the brain. A rehabilitation psychologist, who can help with cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning as well as reintegrating with the community, which can aid in recovery.

What are the challenges of a stroke?

These challenges can have significant effects physically, mentally and emotionally, and rehabilitation might need to be put on hold.

What is the procedure for a large stroke?

Decompressive craniotomy. A large stroke can lead to serious swelling in the brain. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if drugs don’t adequately relieve the swelling. Decompressive craniectomy aims to relieve the buildup of pressure inside your skull before it becomes dangerous.

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.

Why does hemorrhagic stroke cause swelling?

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a brain aneurysm bursts or a weakened blood vessel leaks. This causes blood to leak into your brain, creating swelling and pressure. Unlike ischemic strokes, treatment for hemorrhagic strokes doesn’t involve blood thinners. This is because thinning your blood would cause the bleeding in your brain to become worse.

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 is the procedure for a blocked carotid artery?

Carotid endarterectomy. This procedure is often performed on people who’ve had an ischemic stroke due to a blocked carotid artery. The carotid arteries are the major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain.

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.

How does endovascular repair work?

Your doctor may recommend a procedure called endovascular repair. Your surgeon threads a thin wire and catheter through your blood vessels and into the aneurysm. Then, they release a coil of soft platinum wire into the area. The wire is about as thick as a strand of hair.

What is the best treatment for a stroke?

The best option often depends on the severity of the stroke: A rehabilitation unit in the hospital with inpatient therapy. A subacute care unit. A rehabilitation hospital with individualized inpatient therapy. Home therapy. Returning home with outpatient therapy.

How many stroke survivors recover?

Ten percent of stroke survivors recover almost completely. Another 10 percent require care in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. One-quarter percent recover with minor impairments. Forty percent experience moderate to severe impairments.

What is the long term goal of rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation. The long-term goal of rehabilitation is to help the stroke survivor become as independent as possible. Ideally this is done in a way that preserves dignity and motivates the survivor to relearn basic skills like bathing, eating, dressing and walking. Rehabilitation typically starts in the hospital after a stroke.

Can a brain cell be damaged by a stroke?

In other cases, the brain can reorganize its own functioning and a region of the brain “takes over” for a region damaged by the stroke. Here is some general guidance on recovery:

How to tell if you have a stroke?

The warning signs for a stroke are the sudden onset of the following: 1 Weakness, numbness or paralysis on one side of your body 2 Slurred speech or difficulty understanding others 3 Blindness in one or both eyes 4 Dizziness 5 Severe headache with no apparent cause

What are the signs of a stroke?

The warning signs for a stroke are the sudden onset of the following: Weakness, numbness or paralysis on one side of your body. Slurred speech or difficulty understanding others. Blindness in one or both eyes.

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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.

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