Stroke Treatment

Until the recent past, stroke treatment consisted of basic life support at the time of the stroke followed with rehabilitation. Now there are many stroke treatments that can be very successful when administered as soon as possible after the onset of this condition.

Any stroke treatment program is most effective when performed as quickly as possible.

Equally as important is the after care the patience received from family and professionals. Here is a brief outline of the steps of stroke treatment:

• Immediate hospitalization- Call 911 as soon as you notice any symptoms. Receiving early care is the best way to minimize damage
  
  
• Immediate diagnosis and evaluation of the patient -doctors will determine the type of illness and onset. Family members should advice of any medications that the patients may be taking and give a complete medical history
  
  
• Supportive Therapies - Doctors will give the patient supplementary care to support life functions and pain. This includes managing and maintaining:
  • fever and lowering body temperature
  • electrolytes
  • blood pressure
  • brain pressure
  • heart function
  • glucose levels
• Surgery - doctors will evaluate the patient to determine if surgery is needed
  
  
• Medication - many patients will take medication to control this conditioning that may include aspirin and folic acid
  
  
• Recovery -rehabilitation will help many patients restore mobility and improve muscle function

No matter which route you take, make sure that you monitor your program to determine if the therapy is working for your.

Consult with your doctor is you feel any changes in your condition or would like to try something different.