Treatment of the stroke should be initiated as soon as possible and, therefore, it is important to know how to identify the first symptoms to call an ambulance immediately, since the sooner treatment is started, the lower the risk of sequelae such as paralysis or difficulty speaking. See here what signs may indicate a stroke.
Thus, treatment can be initiated by the doctor already in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, with remedies such as antihypertensives to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, the use of oxygen to facilitate breathing, in addition to controlling vital signs, as a way to restore blood flow to the brain.
- After initial treatment.
- The type of stroke should be identified by tests such as CT and MRI.
- As this influences the following steps of treatment:.
Ischemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks blood from passing through to one of the vessels in the brain. In these cases, treatment may include:
After a stroke, brain decompression surgery is indicated in cases where the brain has significant inflammation, which increases intracranial pressure and can lead to a risk of death. This surgery is performed by removing, over a period of time, part of the skull bone, which is replaced when the swelling disappears.
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a brain artery leaks from your blood or ruptures, such as an aneurysm or high blood pressure, for example.
In these cases, treatment is done by monitoring blood pressure, such as antihypertensives, in addition to the use of an oxygen catheter and monitoring of vital signs to help bleeding be controlled more quickly.
In the most severe cases, where there is a complete rupture of the artery and it is difficult to stop bleeding, emergency brain surgery may be needed to find the site of the bleeding and correct it.
In the case of a major hemorrhagic stroke, brain decompression surgery may also be performed, as it is common to experience irritation and swelling of the brain due to bleeding.
Generally, after managing acute stroke symptoms, a hospital stay of approximately 5 to 10 days is required, which varies depending on the clinical condition of each person, to remain under observation, to ensure a first recovery and assess the consequences. stroke.
During this time, the doctor may begin using medications or adapting the patient’s medications, recommending the use of an anti-aggregant or anticoagulant, such as aspirin or warfarin, in case of ischemic stroke, or the withdrawal of the anticoagulant in case of hemorrhagic stroke. For example.
In addition, medications may be needed to better control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, for example, to reduce the risk of new stroke episodes.
Some sequelae may persist, such as difficulty speaking, decreased strength on one side of the body, changes to swallow food or control urine or stool, and changes in reasoning or memory. The number and severity of sequelae vary depending on the type of stroke and brain site affected, as well as the person’s ability to recover. To better understand the possible complications of stroke.
After a stroke, the person must perform a series of rehabilitation processes to speed healing and reduce consequences. The main forms of rehabilitation are:
Family support is critical in this stroke recovery period, both to help with activities the person can no longer perform, and for emotional support, as some limitations can be frustrating and cause feelings of helplessness and sadness. Learn how to help someone who has trouble communicating.