Stroke Treatment

If you experience stroke like symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Seeking stroke treatment can quickly 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 have 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)	Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)
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

Note: The above medication information is for educational purposes only and not advice for treatment. Please consult your physician for treatment of stroke.

SURGERY Stroke treatment may include surgery. Again, the type of stroke you experience will determine surgical treatment options. Some surgeries performed may include:

Carotid endarectomy
Moving or draining blood due to a brain bleed from hemorrhagic stroke
Brain aneurysm repair Repair of
arteriovenous malformation

PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

After 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 (sitting up, moving from bed to chair, etc.) Occupational therapy helps stroke patient regain independence in daily activities. 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 specificsstroke 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.

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