How To Treat And Prevent Stroke

A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or is blocked. And without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The implication is that the portion of the body controlled by the damaged area is unable to function properly.

There are two types of stroke. First, an ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The clot may form in the blood vessel or travel from somewhere else in the blood system. About eight out of ten strokes are ischemic strokes and very common in older adults. Second, a hemorrhagic stroke develops when an artery in the brain bursts or leaks. This causes bleeding inside the brain or near the surface of the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but deadlier than ischemic strokes. 

What are the symptoms to look out for?

Since brain damage can start within minutes, it is crucial to be informed about the symptoms of stroke so treatment can be sought without delay.  

There is, without any warning, deadness, paralysis, or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on only one side of the body; sudden difficulty with balance or walking; sudden vision problems; slobbering or slurred speech; confusion; and sudden terrible headache not like normal headaches.

If you have any of these symptoms, even if they disappear quickly, see your doctor right away. It could be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), referred to as a mini stroke, which normally is a warning that there is an impending stroke.  Going for an early treatment for a TIA may help stop a stroke in its tracks. If a stroke is diagnosed quickly, within the first three hours of when symptoms start, doctors may be able to use medicines that can lead to a better recovery.

It is very essential for the doctor to find out first the kind of stroke, because the medicine given to treat a stroke caused by a blood clot could be fatal if used for a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain. So to determine what type of stroke it is, the  doctor  does a  CT scan of the brain to see if there’s bleeding. There could be other tests to find the position of the clot or bleeding, to examine the extent of brain damage, and to look out for other disorders that can cause symptoms similar to a stroke. 

How to treat stroke?

·         In the hospital

Doctors agree quick treatment can help limit damage to the brain and increase the ability to recover completely.  So a treatment for an ischemic stroke focuses on restoring blood flow to the brain. If less than three hours have lapsed since your symptoms began, doctors may use a medicine that dissolves blood clots. Research shows that this medicine can improve recovery from a stroke, especially if given within ninety minutes of the first symptoms. Other medicines may be given to prevent blood clots and control symptoms.

On the other hand, a hemorrhagic stroke is harder to treat. Available treatment options include surgery or other treatments to stop bleeding or reduce pressure on the brain. Doctors may also use medicines to control blood pressure, brain swelling, and other disorders.

Once condition stabilises, treatment moves to prevent other disorders and a reoccurrence of the stroke. It may be necessary to use some medicines to control situations that aggravate risks for stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. There can also be a need for some people to go through surgery to remove plaque buildup from the blood vessels that supply the brain.

There is a great chance of regaining abilities, or making the most of what’s left, during the first few months after a stroke, through stroke rehabilitation. It is the best way to get better, so very important to start rehabilitation soon after a stroke and do a little every day. It can also help you take actions against future strokes. 

·         In the Home

Home treatment is an important part of stroke rehabilitation. You may need helping devices to eat, get dressed and walk. To eat, big-handled silverware is easier to grab and use if you have a weak hand.  You may also need to change your diet if you have difficulty swallowing, or your doctor may arrange for a feeding tube to use at home. There are implements called ‘reachers’ that can help you put on socks or shoes if your arm or hand is weak. To assist your walking, canes and walkers can be used to avoid falls.

Tips for an effective recovery

·         Take charge of your care. The more you’re involved in your recovery, the better. However, don’t hesitate to ask for help in dealing with any disabilities you have, and make the effort to let people know about your limitations.

·         Know and deal with depression. The fact that you’re now almost totally dependent on people to get by can be depressing. Depression and pain are common with stroke patients but can be treated with medicines to help you cope.

·         Get involved in a stroke rehabilitation program as soon as possible. A mix of physical, speech, and occupational therapies can assist in dealing with basics of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. A team of a doctor, different therapists, and nurses will work with you to overcome disabilities, acquire new techniques to do tasks, and build up parts of your body damaged by the stroke. 

Tips for handling effects of a stroke

Difficulty getting dressed, vision problems, eating problem, bowel and bladder problems are some of the disabilities incurred from a stroke. Talking with an occupational therapist will bring out suggestions about devices that may be available to help you get dressed. 

It may also be difficult to feel food on one or both sides of your mouth which increases the risk of choking. Further evaluation by a speech therapist may help you manage the eating problem. 

Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) afflicts some people after the stroke, but usually temporary and caused by many problems including effects of medicine, constipation and infection.

Tips for family and caregivers

The family’s adjustment and solid support is crucial to a speedy recovery. For instance in areas of speech and language problems, such as speaking, reading, writing and understanding, the family can manage by speaking slowly and directly and listening attentively. Rehabilitation support involves playing a part in your loved one's rehabilitation frequently, and giving adequate encouragement and support relentlessly.

How can you prevent a stroke?

There’s always the likelihood of having another stroke after you’ve had one. What to do? Make some important lifestyle changes that will improve your overall health and reduce your risk of stroke.

·         Stop smoking and don’t start.  Smoking can double your risk of stroke. Also avoid secondhand smoke by moving away from ‘smoking’ places.

·         Consume a heart-healthy diet that has plenty of fish, vegetables, beans, fruits, high fiber grains and breads, and olive oil. Reduce your salt intake.

·         Engage in moderate physical activity at least three hours a week. Talk to your doctor about safe exercise for you.

·         Maintain a healthy weight.

·         Be on top of your cholesterol and blood pressure figures.

·         Keep your blood sugar normal as much as possible if you’re diabetic.

·         Reduce your alcohol consumption. Drinking more than one drink a day if you are female or two drinks if you are male increases your risk of stroke.

·         Get a flu shot every year to avoid getting sick from flu.

·         If your doctor advises daily aspirin or other medicines, oblige. It is important to work together with your doctor. Don’t miss appointments.

This article is not exhaustive.  For more information on Stroke, visit online WebMD, Harvard Medical School Publication, MSN Health, Mayo Clinic, or see your family doctor.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons.