Top 7 Treatments for Stroke
Strokes occur when a sudden stoppage of the blood to the brain happens. The brain cells start dying leading to many symptoms including changes in the rhythm of speech, muscle weakness, and numbness. It is a medical emergency. Here are the top 7 treatments for stroke.
7. Aspirin
Aspirin is one of the first lines of treatment of strokes because it thinks the blood and can prevent upcoming strokes. It can be used as a preventive medication by people who had previous strokes. You should talk to your doctor before using it, especially if you have a bleeding risk or cardiac problems. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
6. Stroke Medications
Certain drugs are used to break up blood clots such as tPA or tissue plasminogen activator, which is taken intravenously. It is effective in treating active strokes by dissolving blood clots immediately. Warfarin and clopidogrel are recommended to reduce the risk of future strokes. (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
5. Catheter Embolectomy
If drugs are not effective or the stroke is acute and localized and the person is operable, Catheter embolectomy can be a suitable way to remove the stroke manually. It can be done within the first 24 hours after the initial symptoms but the sooner the better. (19, 20, 21, 22)
4. Decompressive Craniectomy
Large strokes can cause serious damages and swellings in the brain. Surgical intervention is necessary if medications are not working and the swelling is not relieved over time.
Decompressive Craniectomy reduces the swelling in the brain before it turns dangerous. (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
3. Lifestyle Modifications
After the stroke, many lifestyle modifications should be done focusing on cardiovascular health. Managing blood sugar, lipid, cholesterol levels, and lowering high blood pressure is essential. Exercises, quitting smoking, and following a healthy diet are necessary too to prevent future strokes. (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
2. Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid endarterectomy is recommended for people who had ischemic strokes due to the blockage of the carotid artery to remove any blockages or plaques accumulating in the carotid arteries, which supply the brain with blood. (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
1. Endovascular Repair
This procedure is recommended for people who had or at risk of developing hemorrhagic strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes occur due to bursts of brain aneurysms or weak blood vessels. The procedure prevents blood from accumulating into aneurysms. (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
