A stroke occurs because the blood supply to the brain is reduced or stopped, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. It can also be as a result of bleeding in the brain.
Ischemic strokes are usually treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a medicine that breaks up blood clots and which is given within 4 hours from the onset of symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe blood-thinning medications to prevent further blood clots. Medical procedures such as coronary angioplasty may also be performed.
The first treatment step for hemorrhagic stroke is controlling or stopping the bleeding in the brain through medication. Surgical interventions such as aneurysm clipping may be recommended to prevent further leaking of blood, and to prevent blood vessels from bursting again.
Your doctor will recommend you to physical, occupational and speech therapists for rehabilitation since a stroke is usually followed by problems with movement, coordination, thinking or memory, language, and other limitations. Therapy can help stroke patients recover faster to restore their normal physical and everyday function. The type of therapy sessions will depend on the extent of damage the stroke has caused.
Stroke rehabilitation may involve:
Improving communication through brain stimulation
Psychological evaluation and treatment
Physical activities that improve motor skills
Stroke rehabilitation is recommended as soon as 24-48 hours after stroke.
A patient will be strongly advised to lead a healthier lifestyle after suffering a stroke and to make lifestyle and routine changes, such as following a healthy well-balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active.
