The
physical changes that cause a stroke usually take place over many years. Some
people are born with a higher risk of having a stroke. Age, sex, race and
having had a prior stroke are risk factors that can’t be changed.
High
blood pressure, heart disease, mini strokes (TIAs) and the build-up of fatty
deposits and cholesterol on the artery walls (atherosclerosis) are risk factors
that can be reduced by changes to your lifestyle and good medical care.
- · Visit your doctor regularly for blood pressure checks and appropriate medication.
- · Stop smoking.
- · Reduce alcohol intake.
- · Exercise regularly. Exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation. It will also help you to lose excess weight.
- · Eat a healthy diet.
- · Control your blood cholesterol.
- · Control your diabetes, if you have it.
Confirmation
of diagnosis and initial treatment of strokes almost always takes place in a
hospital. An early diagnosis is made by evaluating symptoms, reviewing your
medical history and conducting tests.
Tests that may be recommended
·
Computerised
tomography (CT) scan: a special X-ray which produces 2- or 3-dimensional
pictures of any part of the body.
·
Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scan: this test uses a large magnet, low-energy radio
waves and a computer to produce 2- or 3-dimensional pictures of the body.
How is a stroke treated?
If a
stroke has occurred, treatment should begin as soon as the stroke is diagnosed
to ensure that no further damage to the brain occurs. Initially, the doctor may
administer oxygen and insert an intravenous drip to provide the affected person
with adequate nutrients and fluids.
In cases
of ischaemic stroke, it is common to give aspirin to reduce the risk of death
or of a second stroke.
If the
cause of the stroke was a clot, it is possible that the quick administration of
certain clot-dissolving drugs, such as alteplase, may prevent some symptoms
such as paralysis. However, this is not a suitable treatment for all strokes,
and can increase the risk of haemorrhagic stroke, so there are strict
guidelines determining the circumstances in which it should be used.
Once a
stroke has permanently damaged the brain, the damage can't be undone. However,
many symptoms can improve considerably in the days following a stroke, because
the areas of brain on the periphery of the stroke can recover. Also, your
doctor will suggest ways to prevent a future stroke, including modifying your
lifestyle to minimise your risks of stroke, and taking medications.
Depending
on the type and cause of the stroke, anticoagulant drugs (‘blood thinners’) may
be prescribed to help prevent new blood clots from forming, in order to prevent
a future stroke. Where there is a blockage in a neck artery, surgery may be
performed to remove the build-up of plaque in order to prevent a future stroke.
This operation is called a carotid endarterectomy.
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Successful
rehabilitation following a stroke depends on many factors, including the extent
of brain damage, attitude, the skill of the rehabilitation team and the support
of family and friends. As a result of advances in treatment and rehabilitation,
many people who have had a stroke are able to live full lives. For some, recovery
takes only a few weeks while for others it may take months or even years.
Strokes
affect people in different ways depending on the type of stroke and area of the
brain affected. Often old skills have been lost, so new ones will need to be
learned. It is also important to maintain and improve physical condition
whenever possible. Rehabilitation should begin as soon after a stroke as
possible and may continue at home.
Rehabilitation
may consist of various types of therapy including: physiotherapy
to improve muscle control, co-ordination and balance; speech
therapy to retrain facial muscles and language, and help with feeding and
swallowing disorders; and occupational
therapy to improve hand–eye co-ordination and skills needed for daily living
tasks, such as bathing and cooking.
Family is
also important in the rehabilitation process. Family members will probably be
asked to help the person regain lost skills by encouraging them to use the
affected arm or leg, helping them with their speech or teaching them how to do
tasks which may have been forgotten, such as combing their hair or using a cup,
knife and fork.
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