Recovery

How is a Stroke Treated?

A stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke because the longer oxygen is cut off from the brain, the more damage is done. Depending on the type and severity of the stroke, immediate treatment can save the person's life and enhance their chances for successful recovery. The window of opportunity to start treating most strokes is three hours, but to be certain of receiving the most effective and timely treatment, all stroke victims should get to the hospital within 60 minutes.

The benefits of treatment are significant. Studies have found that some stroke patients who receive drugs within three hours of the start of the stroke were at least 30 percent more likely to recover with little or no disability.

If the stroke is the result of a brain hemorrhage, physicians will immediately take measures to reduce the blood pressure of the patient in order to minimize the flow of blood from the ruptured artery.

Additional items your doctor may recommend might include some or all of the following:

• Long-term therapy following a stroke may include antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin, or anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin, to prevent future clots.
• Special railings, braces, canes, wheelchairs, or other devices may be necessary to help increase mobility for those with partial paralysis.
• Physical, speech, occupational, and emotional therapy helps patients and their families cope with major lifestyle changes.
• Those with extensive disabilities may need a period of in-hospital rehabilitation or professional in-home medical care.

Sources:
American Heart Association
Emory University School of Medicine
Heart Center Online
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute