Stroke Prevention When a Stroke Occurs: Quick Stroke Treatment Can Save Lives Ischemic Stroke Treatment Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment
Medical treatments may be used to control high blood pressure and/or manage atrial fibrillation among high-risk patients. Those medicines include:
Additionally, when arteries show plaque buildup or blockage, medical procedures may be needed. Such as:
If youre having a stroke, its critical that you get medical attention right away. Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and prevent death.
There are two types of strokes: hemorrhagic or ischemic. An ischemic stroke occurs as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. It accounts for 87 percent of all stroke cases. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and spills blood into brain tissue. The most common cause for the rupture is uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure). There are two other types of weakened blood vessels that also cause hemorrhagic stroke: aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Treatment differs depending on the type of stroke.
The only FDA approved treatment for ischemic strokes is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA, also known as IV rtPA, given through an IV in the arm). tPA works by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow to the part of the brain being deprived of blood flow. If administered within 3 hours(and up to 4.5 hours in certain eligible patients), tPA may improve the chances of recovering from a stroke. A significant number of stroke victims dont get to the hospital in time for tPA treatment; this is why its so important to identify a stroke immediately.
Endovascular Procedures Another treatment option is an endovascular procedure* in which specially trained doctors try removing the blood clot by sending a catheter to the site of the blocked blood vessel in the brain. Sometimes these procedures involve tPA being administered directly into the blood clot (called intra-arterial treatment) to help dissolve the blockage. In other procedures, the doctor may attempt to remove the clot. Researchers are still conducting research to determine the best clinical protocols for endovascular procedures. *Note: Patients must meet certain criteria to be eligible for this procedure.
Image courtesy of Covidien.
Endovascular Procedures Endovascular procedures may be used to treat certain hemorrhagic strokes similar to the way the procedure is used for treating an ischemic stroke. These procedures are less invasive than surgical treatments, and involve the use of a catheter introduced through a major artery in the leg or arm, then guided to the aneurysm or AVM; it then deposits a mechanical agent, such as a coil, to prevent rupture.
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Stroke Treatments - http://www.strokeassociation.org