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Stroke secondary to atherosclerosis    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Treatment

Stroke is an acute, serious condition. Immediate treatment is required. Treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms. For virtually all strokes, there is a need for hospitalization, possibly including intensive care and life support. If a patient with symptoms arrives at the hospital within 3 hours of onset, he or she may be eligible for immediate intervention including thrombolysis (the dissolution of clot) which may immediately open the artery and prevent the stroke from causing permanent deficits. There is risk of serious bleeding with this treatment so patients have to be selected carefully, but the most important factor is arriving at the hospital as early as possible from the onset of symptoms.

For patients not eligible for thrombolysis, treatment will be based on the type of stroke they may have had, however, the focus will be supportive (ie blood pressure control, adequate fluids) and prevention of complications such as infections.Rehabilitation is important following stroke to maximize function in affected areas.. Treatment is also aimed at prevention of future strokes. Recovery may occur as other areas of the brain take over functioning for the damaged areas. The goal of treatment is to prevent spread (extension) of the stroke and to maximize the ability of the person to function (see Stroke).

Special treatment (in addition to treatment for stroke in general) may include medications to control blood cholesterol levels.

A special diet often follows the American Heart Association recommendations for people with hyperlipidemia (increased fats/lipids in the bloodstream). This may include restriction of fat, especially saturated fat. It may also include restriction of salt/sodium if stroke is accompanied by high blood pressure.

A carotid endarterectomy (removal of plaque from the carotid arteries) may be indicated for some people to prevent new strokes from occurring.

Prognosis

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in developed countries. About one-fourth of the sufferers die as a result of the stroke or its complications, about one-half have long-term disabilities, and about one-fourth recover most or all function.

Complications

• pressure sores
• permanent loss of movement or sensation of a part of the body
• orthopedic complications, fractures, contractures, muscle spasticity
• permanent loss of cognitive functions
• disruption of communication, decreased social interaction
• decreased ability to function or care for self
• decreased life span
• multi-infarct dementia
• side effects of medications

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms occur indicating a stroke.

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