Emergency Care
The most important intervention for stroke is immediate medical care. Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke, as brain cells can begin to die within minutes of a stroke. When a stroke is suspected, emergency medical personnel should be contacted immediately. An ambulance should be called, or the patient should be driven to the nearest emergency department.
Diagnosis
After the patient arrives at the hospital, the medical team will perform a physical exam and take a medical history. Diagnostic tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of stroke.
Treatment
Treatment for stroke depends on the type and severity of the stroke. For ischemic strokes, medications may be used to dissolve clots and to prevent further clotting. A surgical procedure called thrombectomy may be used to remove a clot from an artery. For hemorrhagic strokes, medications may be used to reduce pressure in the brain and surgery may be needed to repair the damaged blood vessel.
Rehabilitation
After the initial treatment, the patient will need to undergo rehabilitation to recover lost skills and abilities. Depending on the severity of the stroke, this may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Counseling may also be provided to help the patient and family cope with the physical and emotional effects of the stroke.