Stroke 101: Understand The Treatment Options

A stroke is a scary thing to go through, but luckily there are preventative and treatment options available. During a stroke, there is an issue with the blood supply that goes to your brain. The blood vessel in your brain may rupture, or there could be a blockage preventing proper supply. A stroke should always be considered a medical emergency and never put off.

Here are some different ways doctors treat strokes:

Immediate Treatment

The first phase of treatment for a stroke includes immediate, or emergency, treatment. This occurs shortly after you get to the hospital. The exact immediate treatment needed depends if you had an ischemic stroke or a hemorrhagic stroke.

In both cases, the medical personnel will begin by stabilizing you after checking your vitals. With an ischemic stroke, medication may be given to stabilize you. In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, they will also need to control your blood pressure.

Ischemic stroke

Once you are stabilized, the doctors will determine if more medicines are going to help with recovery. This will depend on how quickly you got to the hospital after showing symptoms. A medication called tissue plasminogen activator can help improve the recovery process, as well as aspirin. You may also have your blood clot removed.

Hemorrhagic stroke

This is a more serious type of stroke. The doctors first want to monitor the pressure in your brain. Signs like headache, confusion, and restlessness can show that you still have too much pressure. They may also do surgery if you had a brain aneurysm.

Surgical Procedures

If surgery is required, it is usually in the form of a vascular surgical procedure. Vascular surgery treats different types of artery and blood flow issues, such as having a stroke. Vascular surgery following a stroke includes the following procedures:

Angioplasty

The first type of vascular procedure used following a stroke is called an angioplasty. If a stroke has already occurred, this procedure can help to open any arteries that are blocked. The procedure involves inserting a catheter into the artery and adding a balloon that inflates and opens the artery. Once open, it can send blood flow to the brain.

Stenting

For a stenting procedure, the doctor first puts a catheter into the groin artery, then puts the tip of the catheter inside the artery. There is a tube-like device called a stent that goes over the catheter. This will help to widen the artery once the catheter is removed.

Prevention

Once you get the treatment you need, your doctor will advise you on how to prevent another stroke. This includes reducing your blood pressure and switching you to a healthy diet. You will be instructed to exercise regularly, take good care of your body, and stop smoking and drinking heavily. If you have diabetes, it must be controlled properly. You may also need to work on reducing your stress level.

To learn more, contact a company like Cedar Surgical Associates PC with any questions or concerns you have.

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