What You Need to Know About Stroke
Having a stroke can be a devastating and life-changing experience, but there are ways to prevent one from happening. These include learning to recognize the symptoms, knowing what to do when you’ve been diagnosed, and what to do if you have suffered a stroke. You can even learn more about the treatments and recovery processes for this type of brain disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of stroke are quite varied and can occur at any age. If you suspect you have one, you need to get help immediately. A quick response can reduce the damage and increase your chances of recovering.
There are two main types of strokes: hemorrhagic and ischemic. Hemorrhagic is when the brain swells and pressure build up around the brain, while ischemic is when blood vessels in the brain clot and block blood flow to the brain.
The easiest way to remember stroke symptoms is the “BE FAST” adage. In fact, a lot of medical professionals are encouraging patients to take this simple adage to heart. If you’re having a stroke, you need to go to the emergency room or your doctor right away.
If you have a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke,” the CDC says you should be treated as soon as possible. This is because you’re at higher risk for a full-blown stroke later.
The CDC also warns that strokes can lead to permanent disability. If you experience a stroke, you may experience problems with your eyes, mouth, hands, and legs. You may also be confused and experience a sudden numbness or tingling in your face or extremities.
There are several stroke treatments available, such as special IV fluids and neuroprotective medicines. You may also need physical therapy to help you regain your strength and balance. The therapy may be done at a clinic or at a skilled nursing home.
Fortunately, new drugs and medical techniques are helping to minimize the risks of stroke. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that fewer Americans die of stroke than in the past.
Diagnosis
During a stroke, blood enters the brain and causes damage to the brain tissue. The damage may be temporary or permanent. A doctor will diagnose the condition based on a patient’s medical history, physical exam, and results from tests. Various medications are used to treat stroke.
A variety of imaging tests can help doctors identify the type of stroke and what part of the brain was damaged. These tests include a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and blood vessel tests. These procedures will provide a detailed image of the brain.
A study of 191 patients with strokelike symptoms showed that one-third of patients who were diagnosed without delay were eligible for effective treatment. However, a substantial proportion of these patients missed their opportunity to receive DAPT.
A systematic approach to the diagnosis of ischemic stroke is essential to reduce the risk of adverse patient outcomes. This is especially important for patients with disabilities. A review of the research on stroke misdiagnosis has focused on outpatient settings. It is critical that these guidelines be applied by trained staff in hospitals.
During a delay in diagnosing ischemic stroke, a person may experience irreversible brain tissue damage. In this case, a patient may lose the ability to speak, walk, or move one side of the body. Depending on the severity of the stroke, a craniotomy may be needed to relieve pressure on the brain.
Other diagnostic tests can help a physician determine whether a person has suffered from a transient ischemic attack or a hemorrhagic stroke. These tests can also help physicians determine if a person has had a heart attack. An electrocardiogram can diagnose a heart condition that may have caused a stroke.
Treatment
Getting treatment for stroke early is the best way to have a good recovery. It can also prevent permanent damage. However, the outcome depends on many factors, such as the age and severity of the stroke, the patient’s health and medical history, and the time that it occurred.
Thrombotic drugs are injected into the blood vessel. They dissolve the clots that are blocking the brain’s blood flow. This reduces the risk of complications from a stroke, such as bleeding.
In cases where blood clots are severe, surgery may be needed. A surgeon may place a tiny clamp at the base of the aneurysm to help prevent the aneurysm from bursting. Another procedure is catheter embolization, which uses a catheter to pull out a clot from a blood vessel. These procedures can be performed in the hospital.
Physical therapy and speech therapy can help people recover their ability to move and talk. Exercise can also help improve balance and muscle weakness.
A catheterization procedure can also be used to restore circulation. This involves inserting a catheter into a large blood vessel inside the head. The stent retriever device is a wire mesh that traps a clot in the tube. This allows the clot to be removed but prevents the blood clot from coming back.
An anticoagulant is also used to help stop blood clots. These medicines are usually used for ischemic stroke. They can also be used to treat hemorrhagic stroke.
There are also other medicines and treatments that can be used. For example, the tPA drug can reverse the symptoms of a stroke. It must be given within 4.5 hours of the initial symptoms.
Recovery
Getting back to life after a stroke may take a few months of intensive therapy and rehabilitation. Some patients are able to go home, while others need to remain in an inpatient program. Recovery from a stroke is dependent on the size and location of the stroke, as well as the intensity of the rehabilitation.
One of the main goals of rehab is to help survivors regain their cognitive and physical function to pre-stroke levels. A variety of treatments, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling, are available to help survivors get their lives back.
The first three months after a stroke are the most important for recovery. These months are characterized by the most significant improvements, which often plateau after three months.
The fourth phase of recovery is characterized by a decrease in spasticity. Spasticity can limit the range of motion and prevent voluntary movement. It can also be painful and frustrating. In the third stage, spasticity increases. It can make it difficult to release objects, grasp a fork, and bathe. In the third and fourth stages, the patient will continue with therapeutic exercises, but the focus will be on active movements.
As part of a rehab program, people with stroke can receive assistance with dressing, bathing, and tabletop activities. They can also use splints or orthotics to help prevent contractures.
Some of the symptoms of stroke include memory problems, pain in the hands and feet, and trouble thinking. These symptoms can cause a person to experience depression. In addition, people with stroke have an increased risk of experiencing a second stroke.
During the post-stroke recovery period, the brain is rebuilding the neuronal connections that were destroyed by the stroke. This process is called neuroplasticity. As new neural pathways are formed, new synapses are formed, and new dendritic growth takes place.
Rehabilitation
Several guidelines recommend that people with stroke receive rehabilitation. However, the definition of “rehabilitation” is still fuzzy. It may be best to consider the term “early” in this context, especially when considering the benefits of early supported discharge.
In the early stages of the disease, the recovery of function should be the primary goal. To this end, effective management of complications is key to reducing morbidity and disability.
A multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers works to provide optimal care to patients. The team works in partnership with the patient to develop an appropriate program of rehabilitation.
The process of planning a rehabilitation program should take into account a person’s past functional abilities, environment, and medical history. This should include the use of a range of effective tools.
In addition, it is important to identify features of a rehabilitation pathway that will prevent secondary sequelae. These features include a multidisciplinary approach to planning, a comprehensive assessment, and evidence-based interventions.
There are several different levels of care, from intensive, step-down rehabilitation to outpatient or community-based rehabilitation. A service structure that follows a patient from an acute phase through rehabilitation, and then through the transition to a new life, is the best way to achieve the best possible outcomes.
A multidisciplinary team should include an occupational therapist. An occupational therapist is an expert in working with people who have a stroke. An occupational therapist focuses on the daily activities of the patient, including addressing deficits resulting from the stroke.
An effective rehabilitation program also requires an effective communication link between hospital and community services. This is essential to efficient planning.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
