What to do when having a stroke
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What to Do When Having a Stroke
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is crucial for timely intervention. Common signs include sudden weakness, paralysis, or numbness of the face, arms, or legs, trouble speaking or understanding speech, and difficulty seeing. Immediate recognition and response can significantly improve outcomes.
Immediate Actions to Take
Seek Emergency Care
At the first sign of a stroke, it is critical to seek emergency medical care immediately. Early treatment can save lives and reduce the severity of long-term effects. The urgency is due to the narrow window for effective treatment, particularly for ischemic strokes, which are the most common type.
Call Emergency Services
Do not attempt to drive yourself or the affected person to the hospital. Instead, call emergency services to ensure that medical professionals can begin treatment as soon as possible.
Acute Stroke Treatments
Intravenous Thrombolysis
Intravenous thrombolysis, using medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), is a standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke. This treatment helps dissolve the blood clot causing the stroke, but it must be administered within a few hours of symptom onset to be effective .
Mechanical Thrombectomy
For certain patients, mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure that physically removes the clot using endovascular tools, can be performed. This treatment is often used in conjunction with thrombolysis and has been shown to improve functional outcomes .
Treatment for Hemorrhagic Stroke
In cases of intracerebral hemorrhage, which is less common but more deadly, treatment focuses on reducing blood pressure and addressing any coagulopathy to control bleeding.
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Multidisciplinary Neurorehabilitation
Rehabilitation should start early and be tailored to the individual’s needs. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, to optimize recovery and improve quality of life.
Virtual Rehabilitation
Virtual stroke rehabilitation has emerged as a viable option, increasing access to necessary therapies regardless of geographical location. This approach has been shown to be effective and should be considered as part of the rehabilitation plan.
Managing Nonmotor Symptoms
Mood Disorders and Cognitive Impairments
Nonmotor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments are common after a stroke. Treatments supported by randomized controlled trials include behavioral rehabilitation, noninvasive brain stimulation, and medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Self-Management Programs
Self-management programs can help stroke survivors cope with chronic disabilities by teaching problem-solving, goal-setting, and self-monitoring skills. These programs aim to improve both physical and psychological functioning.
Secondary Stroke Prevention
Controlling Vascular Risk Factors
Secondary prevention focuses on controlling vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, are also recommended .
Antithrombotic Therapies
For patients with conditions like atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation therapy is crucial to prevent recurrent strokes. In cases of large artery atherosclerosis, antiplatelet therapy and high-dose statins are recommended .
Conclusion
Immediate recognition and response to stroke symptoms are vital for effective treatment and improved outcomes. Acute treatments like intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy can significantly reduce the impact of ischemic strokes, while early and tailored rehabilitation is essential for recovery. Managing nonmotor symptoms and implementing secondary prevention strategies are also critical to improving the quality of life and reducing the risk of recurrent strokes.
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