How to treat and prevent stroke is important knowledge to have, particularly if any of our loved ones are at risk.
A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or is blocked. And without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The implication is that the portion of the body controlled by the damaged area is unable to function properly. How to treat and prevent stroke explains types of stroke, symptoms to look for, care tips, treatment, and prevention.
There are two types of stroke. First, an ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The clot may form in the blood vessel or travel from somewhere else in the blood system. About eight out of ten strokes are ischemic strokes and are very common in older adults. Second, a hemorrhagic stroke develops when an artery in the brain bursts or leaks. This causes bleeding inside the brain or near the surface of the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but deadlier than ischemic strokes.
What Are The Symptoms To Look For?
Since brain damage can start within minutes, it is crucial to be informed about the symptoms of stroke so treatment can be sought without delay.
There is, without any warning, deadness, paralysis, or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on only one side of the body; sudden difficulty with balance or walking; sudden vision problems; slobbering or slurred speech; confusion; and sudden terrible headache not like normal headaches. Therefore how to treat and prevent stroke makes it essential for the doctor to find out first the kind of stroke.
How To Treat A Stroke?
In the hospital
Doctors agree quick treatment can help limit damage to the brain and increase the ability to recover completely.
Ischemic Stroke
So treatment for an ischemic stroke focuses on restoring blood flow to the brain. If less than three hours have elapsed since your symptoms began, doctors may use medicine that dissolves blood clots. Research shows that this medicine can improve recovery from a stroke. Especially if given within ninety minutes of the first symptoms. Other medicines may be given to prevent blood clots and control symptoms.
Hemorrhagic stroke
On the other hand, a hemorrhagic stroke is harder to treat. Available treatment options include surgery or other treatments to stop bleeding or reduce pressure on the brain. Doctors may also use medicines to control blood pressure, brain swelling, and other disorders.
Preventing re-occurrence
Once the condition stabilises, treatment moves to prevent other disorders and a reoccurrence of the stroke. It may be necessary to use some medicines to control situations that aggravate risks for stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. There can also be a need for some people to go through surgery to remove plaque buildup from the blood vessels that supply the brain.
Rehabilitation after a stroke
There is a great chance of regaining abilities or making the most of what’s left, during the first few months after a stroke, through stroke rehabilitation. It is the best way to get better, so very important to start rehabilitation soon after a stroke and do a little every day. It can also help you take action against future strokes.
In the Home
Home treatment is an important part of stroke rehabilitation. You may need help with devices to eat, get dressed, and walk. To eat, big-handled silverware is easier to grab and use if you have a weak hand. You may also need to change your diet if you have difficulty swallowing, or your doctor may arrange for a feeding tube to use at home. To assist your walking, canes, and walkers can be used to avoid falls.
Take charge of your care
The more you’re involved in your recovery, the better. However, don’t hesitate to ask for help in dealing with any disabilities you have, and make the effort to let people know about your limitations.
Know and deal with depression
The fact that you’re now almost totally dependent on people to get by can be depressing. Depression and pain are common in stroke patients but can be treated with medicines to help them cope.
Be involved in stroke rehabilitation
Get involved in a stroke rehabilitation program as soon as possible. A mix of physical, speech, and occupational therapies can assist in dealing with the basics of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. A team of a doctor, different therapists, and nurses will work with you to overcome disabilities, acquire new techniques to do tasks, and build up parts of your body damaged by the stroke.
Get therapeutical help
Difficulty getting dressed, vision problems, eating problems, bowel, and bladder problems are some of the disabilities incurred from a stroke. Talking with an occupational therapist will bring out suggestions about devices that may be available to help you get dressed.
Be evaluated by a speech therapist
It may also be difficult to feel food on one or both sides of your mouth which increases the risk of choking. Further evaluation by a speech therapist may help you manage the eating problem.
Rehabilitation support from family and caregivers
How to treat and prevent stroke includes rehabilitation support from family and caregivers. Rehabilitation support involves playing a part in your loved one’s rehabilitation frequently. And given adequate encouragement and support relentlessly. The family’s adjustment and solid support are crucial to a speedy recovery. For instance, in areas of speech and language problems, such as speaking, reading, writing, and understanding, the family can manage by speaking slowly and directly and listening attentively.
How Can You Prevent A Stroke?
Prevention is one of the key messages about how to treat and prevent stroke. There’s always the likelihood of having another stroke after you’ve had one. What to do? Make some important lifestyle changes that will improve your overall health and reduce your risk of stroke.
Stop smoking and don’t start
Smoking can double your risk of stroke. Also, avoid secondhand smoke by moving away from ‘smoking’ places.
Consume a heart-healthy diet
Eat plenty of fish, vegetables, beans, fruits, high-fiber grains and bread, and olive oil. Reduce your salt intake.
Exercise
Engage in moderate physical activity for at least three hours a week. Talk to your doctor about safe exercise for you.
Drink less alcohol
Reduce your alcohol consumption. Drinking more than one drink a day if you are female or two drinks if you are male increases your risk of stroke.
Work with your doctor
If your doctor advises daily aspirin or other medicines, oblige. It is important to work together with your doctor. Don’t miss appointments.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke
Photo Credit: Creative Commons.
