Stroke Treatment
If you experience stroke like symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Seeking stroke treatment quickly can minimize brain damage because permanent brain damage often occurs in the first few hours. Initial treatment focuses on either controlling bleeding for hemorrhagic stroke or increasing blood flow for ischemic stroke. Your physician will perform imaging studies such as a CT Scan or MRI to determine if you've had a CVA and the type of CVA it is. Stroke treatment may include medications, surgery, and rehab.
MEDICATION
Medications given will vary depending on the cause of stroke. See the chart below as an example:
CAUSE OF STROKE or SYMPTOM TO BE TREATED: | TYPES OF MEDICATION THAT MAY BE GIVEN: | EXAMPLES (not an exhaustive list) |
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure | Medication to lower blood pressure | Diuretics Beta-Blockers Alpha-Blockers Calcium Channel Blockers ACE Inhibitors Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers Vasodilators |
Ischemic Stroke | Thrombolytics (Clot –dissolving medication) | |
Ischemic stroke | Anti-platelet medication (prevent blood from sticking together) | Aspirin Clopidogrel Dipyridamole Ticlopidine |
Ischemic Stroke | Anticoagulants (blood thinners) | Heparin Warfarin |
Swelling in Brain | Hyperosmotic Agents | Mannitol Glycerol Hypertonic Saline Solutions |
High Cholesterol | Medicine to lower cholesterol | Statins |
Stroke treatment may include surgery. Again, the type of stroke you experience will determine surgical treatment options. Some surgeries performed may include:
Carotid endarectomy
Removing or draining blood due to a brain bleed from hemorrhagic stroke
Brain aneurysm repair
Repairing an arteriovenous malformation
PHYSICAL REHABILITATIONAfter a patient has been medically stabilized, they will begin physical rehabilitation in an attempt to regain as much function as possible. Physical rehabilitation after stroke may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Physical therapy focuses on returning movement, balance and coordination for activities such as walking, sitting, lying down, and transitional movements (sit to stand, moving from bed to chair, etc.) Occupational therapy helps a stroke patient regain independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, grooming, dressing, toileting, and bathing. Occupational therapists often focus on improving upper extremity movement and fine motor skills so patients can perform self care activities. Speech therapy helps a patient improve language and speaking skills, swallowing, and cognitive abilities. Click here to find out more about specific stroke rehab exercises.Proper stroke treatment is imperative for the best recovery. Make sure you as a patient or caregiver are aware of all the available treatment options and discuss these options with your physician.
Which exercises and treatment worked best for your stroke?
Have you had a good experience with your stroke rehabilitation and treatment? Please share your favorite and most effective stroke rehab exercises or treatment below. Please note that submissions from others are for informational purposes only and are not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care, nor are intended to be a substitute. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider concerning questions you have regarding your health or a loved one's health concerns.
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see exercise and treatment recommendations from other visitors to this page...
Food Options for Someone who Suffered Stroke Not rated yet
Experiencing stroke can be quite life-changing. Not many people recover from it, and
those who do may not recover completely. Some are left with half …
Exercises for Stroke Not rated yet
I have had 3 strokes and they (Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation) are the reason why I make so much progress.
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