Stroke Treatment

  • Stroke
    A stroke is caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain, usually because a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage to the brain tissue. The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured and how severely it is affected. A very severe stroke can cause sudden death.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 29 October 2015

The primary goal of treating stroke patients is to restore blood flow to the brain. The doctor will consider some of the following options:

  • Medications that dissolve the blood clot. 
  • Surgical procedures that can open up or widen arteries - either in the carotid artery or in the brain, wherever the blockage is located. The carotid artery is located in the neck, supplying blood to the brain, neck and face. There are two carotid arteries, one on the right and one on the left. 

Once the patient is stable, the doctor may recommend 

Rehabilitation: The nature of the rehabilitation process and the therapies will depend on the area of the brain affected, the amount of tissue damaged and the severity of the damage. It is common for the rehabilitation process to include speech therapy, occupational therapy and family education. 

10% of stroke survivors recover almost completely. 25% recover with minor impairments after rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation specialists include:

• Physicians: Physiatrists (specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation), neurologists, geriatricians (specialists in the elderly), family practice

• Rehabilitation nurses: They specialise in nursing care for people with disabilities.

• Physical therapists: They help to restore physical functioning by evaluating and treating problems with movement, balance and coordination.

• Occupational therapists: They provide exercises and practice to help the patient perform activities of daily living.

• Speech & Swallow therapists: They help improve language skills and swallowing techniques.

• Social workers: They assist with financial aid such as medical claims, govt schemes etc.

• Psychologists: They deal with the mental and emotional health of patients.

• Therapeutic recreation specialists: They help patients return to activities they enjoyed before the stroke or pick up new hobbies.

Read here a case study: Healing the mind after a Stroke

Community
Stroke Rehab and Recovery
Condition
Stroke

Stories

  • Hope after Stroke
    An inspiring interview of Avinash Godbole who learnt to paint with his left hand, after a paralyzing stroke. Understand what he did to prevent his next stroke Symptoms of stroke are complex.  Understand the importance of acting quickly and following FAST FAST - Face, Arm, Speech, Time Is the Face uneven   Is the Arm hanging down or Leg not working as expected Is the Speech slurred Time - rush to a hospital quickly - within 4.5 hours Watch the video http://youtu.be/HjhYh1WLmIU
  • A stock pic of an elderly person being cared for
    Its ok to cry and laugh, to take time out for yourself
    This touching and poignant documentary – “Portraits of Care” –  looks at the lives of four amazing Caregivers and gives a rare glimpse into the realities of long-term care in India. A husband as caregiver, a wife as caregiver, daughters as caregivers The caregivers share the issues with home care agencies, dealing with absent and interfering relatives, caregiver stress and the financial challenges How to take time out for yourself, how to deal with your anger and frustration…
  • It's called motivation and not wanting to be a victim
    Lucille Markie is a key member of the Integrated Neurological Rehabilitation Foundation in Henderson. She is calling on young people with neurological conditions to attend a series of demonstrations to see what help and support is available to them. "There are a lot of younger people like me in the community but they often don't want to attend groups because strokes can be preconceived as an older generation disability." http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/10539762/Stroke-won-t-slow-Lucy-down
  • Stroke
    is the loss of brain function due to a sudden disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. As a result of the decreased blood supply, the affected area of the brain cannot function normally, resulting in some of the following effects: Inability to move one or more limbs or face muscles on one side of the body Failure to understand or formulate speech  Inability to see clearly Dizziness or confusion A stroke can happen in an instance and is a medical emergency. Time is critical…