How a Stroke Is Managed and Treated
If a stroke is suspected, the goal of medical professionals is to act quickly to restore blood flow and minimize brain damage. The journey of management and recovery begins in the emergency room and continues long after.
Immediate Medical Treatment
For an ischemic stroke, the most common treatment is a powerful clot-busting medication called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This drug can dissolve the clot and restore blood flow, but it must be administered within a few hours of the first symptoms. This is why calling 911 immediately is so important. In some cases, doctors may perform a mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to physically remove the clot.
For a hemorrhagic stroke, treatment focuses on controlling the bleeding and reducing pressure on the brain. This may involve medications to control blood pressure or, in some cases, surgery.
Rehabilitation and Long-Term Recovery
Recovery from a stroke is a unique journey for each individual. The brain has a remarkable ability to heal and adapt, a concept known as neuroplasticity. Rehabilitation is designed to help survivors regain lost skills and become as independent as possible.
Common therapies include:
Physical Therapy: To help with movement, balance, and coordination. The goal is to regain strength and the ability to walk and perform other physical activities.
Occupational Therapy: To help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, bathing, and writing.
Speech Therapy: To help regain the ability to speak, understand language, read, write, and swallow safely.
Long-term management also involves medication to manage underlying risk factors, such as blood thinners to prevent clots, blood pressure medications, and statins to lower cholesterol.
