As per recent statistics, more than 110 million people around the world have suffered from a stroke and are living with its aftermath. Stroke can be debilitating and lead to life-long challenges. Thus, proper treatment and rehabilitation can save the quality of life. There are different types of stroke and the treatment will vary depending on the type of stroke.
Here, we have discussed the different types of stroke and treatment.
Types Of Stroke And Treatment
Primarily, stroke is of two types: Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke is more common, constituting about 87% of stroke cases. A third type called transient ischemic stroke is a sort of ministroke.
1. Ischemic stroke
Atherosclerosis which causes the accumulation of fatty deposits along the lining of blood vessels is one of the major causes of an ischemic stroke. This blood clot blocks the supply of blood to the brain thereby causing the brain tissues and cells to die in minutes. Sometimes an ischemic stroke can also occur because of a blood clot formed in any other region of the body. This can then travel to the brain through the bloodstream. This type of ischemic stroke is called an embolic stroke. Ischemic stroke can cause symptoms such as confusion and sudden numbness in your arm, face, or leg. You are at risk of an ischemic stroke if you have conditions such as atherosclerosis and vasculitis. People with atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the upper chambers of the heart do not beat efficiently, account for 15% of embolic strokes.
>> Treatment for ischemic stroke
Though there is no cure for an ischemic stroke, emergency treatment involves removing the clot so that further brain damage is prevented. When the stroke patient is rushed to the hospital, the healthcare team will administer a tissue plasminogen activator in case of an ischemic stroke. This is the first line of treatment and helps in dissolving the blood clot quickly. Thereby, restoring blood flow in the affected part of the brain.
The neurosurgeon may also perform a thrombectomy to remove the clot surgically. However, this surgery is the most effective when it is performed within 6 hours of experiencing a stroke.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when the vessel supplying blood to the brain ruptures and begins to bleed. This prevents the affected region of the brain from receiving nutrients and oxygen. Consequently, there is also a build-up of pressure in the nearby tissues of the brain. This leads to swelling and irritation. Thus, causing more brain damage. A hemorrhagic stroke and an ischemic stroke have similar symptoms. These include loss of function, difficulty with speech, severe headaches, and confusion. Your risk for hemorrhagic stroke will depend on your lifestyle and if you have conditions such as arteriovenous malformations(AVMs) and aneurysms.
>> Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke
The management of hemorrhagic stroke usually focuses on stopping the bleeding in your brain as well as treating the side effects of the condition such as increased intracranial pressure. The goal of the surgeon is to repair the blood vessel and remove the blood. Surgery for a hemorrhagic stroke usually involves coiling or surgical clipping.
3. Transient ischemic stroke (TIA)
This is also called a “ministroke” that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted suddenly. The symptoms of a transient ischemic stroke and the blood clot that caused it lasts for a short period of time only. Health professionals believe that, unlike an ischemic stroke, TIA doesn’t lead to long-lasting damage to the brain.
The symptoms of TIA include confusion, tingling, difficulty in walking, and numbness. A TIA could resolve by itself if the clot dissolves or moves.
>> Treatment for TIA stroke
Since TIA comprises about 15% of all stroke cases, there is a high chance that a person who has experienced a ministroke can have an ischemic stroke in the long run. By making certain lifestyle changes and using medications as prescribed by the doctor, you can prevent the possibility of an ischemic stroke. Surgical methods such as a carotid endarterectomy can also be performed if the TIA patient has a severely or moderately narrowed carotid artery. This is a kind of preventive surgery and can remove the fatty deposits in the carotid arteries. Thus, reducing the risk of another stroke.
>> Can a stroke be silent?
Sometimes it is possible that a person could have a stroke without realizing it. This is called a silent stroke because the person may not remember the symptoms or the signs are not that easy to recognize. However, a silent stroke can also cause permanent damage to the brain. If you had a silent stroke, it is possible that you are struggling with memory and thinking problems. It can be difficult for you to identify that you are having a stroke. Such a stroke will be detected with the help of a brain scan if you happen to have one because of some other reasons. Some of the risk factors for a stroke are high blood pressure and increased blood levels of homocysteine.
Rehabilitation: An Important Step After Treatment
No treatment is complete without rehabilitation. Even if you have received treatment for a stroke, you will still need rehabilitation to make a full-fledged recovery. Rehabilitation can help you overcome the challenges brought into your life by a stroke. The right rehabilitation program can help in improving the quality of life and achieving independence again.
If you or your loved one is looking to obtain rehabilitation then we can connect you with board-certified rehabilitation experts. With our outcome-based rehabilitation programs, you can make a swift return to independent living.
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Conclusion
Suffering from a stroke can bring many unexpected changes in the lives of the survivors.
Depending on the type of stroke, the patient will receive treatment in the hospital.
In addition to timely treatment, patients also need rehabilitation to manage the effects of the stroke. When in need of rehabilitation, connect with our experts.
References
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