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.

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see exercise and treatment recommendations from other visitors to this page...

Exercises for Stroke Not rated yet
These are tips from other stroke survivors regarding treatments or activities that they have found helpful. It is not meant to be medical advice. Check …

Click here to write your own.





Shop for rehab products at Amazon

Types of Stroke
Effects or Stroke

Return from stroke treatment to stroke rehab home page


Stroke Rehab Guide

Exercises Included   $ 14.99

Recent Articles

  1. Physio reducing sessions

    May 21, 23 10:32 AM

    Question: My physio has told me my sessions are going down to 1 session per week now I'm home...I still cannot walk and I'm wheelchair-bound due to a stroke

    Read More

  2. Home care v s outpatient

    May 21, 23 09:47 AM

    Question:: Which is better home care or outpatient voice therapy? Answer: There are several factors to consider. First, it would depend on the therapist

    Read More

  3. Symptoms Getting Worse After Stroke

    May 15, 23 11:01 AM

    If you experience sudden declines or changes after stroke, you should seek medical attention.

    Read More

*


*

Get your stroke rehab questions answered by a therapist! CLICK HERE



Share your stroke
treatment or exercise
recommendation.
Click Here


Share your stroke survival storyCLICK HERE!


Shop for rehab products at Amazon