“TIME is LIFE”, mark these words! The Stroke treatment begins the moment the patient experiences the episode. The time saved adds on to the improvement in the patient condition by not deteriorating the patient’s status. To explain this in a simpler way, the brain cells begin to die once the patient experiences Stroke, and the time consumed adds on to more brain damage. Hence, time plays a very important role in Stroke patient and helps the rehabilitation team to prevent side effects of stroke and eventually the patient’s condition.
Treatment On the Way to the Hospital
If you or someone you know is showing indications of a stroke, dial nearby hospital emergency number immediately.
Stroke patients who are transported to the hospital in an ambulance may receive faster diagnosis and treatment than those who do not. As the emergency treatment begins on the way to the hospital, it helps in preventing long-term complications. The Ambulance and Hospital Staff may transport you to a specialized stroke center to ensure that you receive the best diagnosis and treatment available immediately. Before you arrive at the emergency department, the Hospital/ Ambulance Staff will collect important information that will guide your treatment and will notify hospital medical staff, allowing them time to prepare.
Treatment in the Hospital
Health professionals that include the Neurologist, Neurosurgeon or the assistive staff will ask about your medical history and the onset of your symptoms when you arrive at the hospital. The sort of stroke you suffered will be determined through brain imaging in the form of CT-scan & MRI. You will be under the supervision and study of a neurologist who specializes in treating brain disorders, a neurosurgeon who specializes in brain surgery, or an expert in another field of medicine such as Neuro Physiotherapists
If you arrive at the hospital within three hours of the onset of symptoms of an ischemic stroke, you may be given a thrombolytic (also known as a “clot-busting” drug) to break up blood clots. A thrombolytic is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
tPA increases the chances of a stroke recovery. Individuals with ischemic strokes who receive tPA are more likely to fully recover or have less disability than patients who do not receive the medication, according to studies. Patients who get tPA are also less likely to require long-term rehabilitation. Many stroke patients, unfortunately, do not arrive at the hospital in time for tPA treatment. This is why it’s critical to identify patients at risk of a stroke as soon as possible and dial nearby hospital emergency numbers.
To control the bleeding and save the brain tissue from more damage, medicine, surgery, or other procedures may be required.
- Endovascular operations, for example, certain hemorrhagic strokes may be treated with endovascular operations. A long tube is inserted into a major artery in the leg or arm by the doctor, who then guides the tube to the weak area or breaks in the blood vessel. After that, the tube is used to install a device, such as a coil, to repair or prevent bleeding.
- Surgical Treatment is needed too. Surgery can be used to treat hemorrhagic strokes. A metal clip may be used to limit blood loss if the bleeding is caused by a ruptured aneurysm.
What Happens Next?
If you’ve had a stroke, you’re at a high risk of having another.
Studies show that, within five years, one out of every four stroke survivors will have another stroke.
Within 90 days after a TIA, the risk of stroke can be as high as 17%, with the risk being highest within the first week.
That’s why the underlying causes of stroke, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (a fast, irregular heartbeat), excessive cholesterol, and diabetes, must be addressed from time to time. Your doctor may prescribe medicine or advise you to change your diet, exercise, or adopt other healthier habits. In some cases, surgery may be helpful.
Rehabilitation after a stroke
Rehabilitation, a very important treatment post Stroke. You may need rehabilitation (rehab) after a stroke to help you recover. Hospital Tie-ups can assist you in locating long-term care options and caregiver assistance before you are discharged from the hospital. It’s important to work with your medical team to diagnose the cause of your stroke and take steps to prevent another one. Regular Physiotherapy sessions are helpful in improving patient’s conditions and also help in improving the quality of life.