Medical Treatment for a Brain Stroke Explained

Brain Stroke Treatment: Medical Options, Recovery & Costs Explained

A brain stroke is a severe condition when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or decreased. It cuts off the oxygen and nutrients from the brain, killing brain cells in minutes.

Therefore, doctors must save a person's life and improve their chances of recovery by giving them quick treatment. Doctors opt for a suitable medical treatment for the type of stroke, which can be available, reducing brain damage and facilitating healing.

What are the Different Types of Brain Stroke?

There are three different types of brain stroke, namely, Ischemic stroke, Hemorrhagic stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Let us look into these types in detail:

1. Ischemic Stroke: 

This stroke happens when the blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked due to blood clotting. This restricts the oxygen flow to the brain, causing the death of brain cells.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: 

This kind of stroke occurs when there is a rupture of blood vessels in the brain, leading to bleeding within the brain or around it. Hence, there is immense pressure on the brain, causing damage and even death of brain cells.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): 

TIA happens when there is a temporary disruption of blood flow into the brain. This stroke causes permanent damage and is an important warning sign.

What are the Medical Treatment Options for a Brain Stroke?

The medical treatment options for a brain stroke vary depending on the kind of stroke that occurred and include surgery, medication and rehabilitation therapies. Here are some medical treatment options:

• Surgery: At times, a brain stroke needs the removal of a clot or repairing a damaged blood vessel, commonly known as mechanical thrombectomy.
• Medications: Anti-platelet drugs, thrombolytic drugs and anticoagulants dissolve blood clots and prevent the occurrence of further clots in the brain, considering the type of stroke.
• Rehabilitation: Undergoing speech therapy can help individuals recover from the effects of a stroke.
• Change in Lifestyle: Changing diet, quitting smoking and exercising limits the risk of stroke.
• Experimental Treatments: Doctors prescribe experimental treatments, such as stem cell therapy, to find out if they can improve symptoms after a stroke.
• Support Groups: Support groups provide emotional support and assist families and individuals in coping with the effects of stroke.
• Cognitive Therapies: Doctors suggest cognitive therapies to assist individuals in improving their cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory and problem-solving.

Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

The main goal of treating Ischemic stroke is restoring the flow of blood to the brain with the use of blood clot-busting drugs commonly known as thrombolytics. Administration of these drugs takes place usually within 4.5 hours after stroke. Alongside this, you can carry out surgical procedures that include:

Mechanical Thrombectomy: 

• This includes the use of specialised devices to remove or break up the blood clot and restore the flow of blood to affected areas of the brain.

Angioplasty: 

• This process widens the carotid artery using a catheter through a balloon by keeping it open with a metallic mesh tube called a stent.

Carotid Endarterectomy: 

• This includes plaque removal and widening of the carotid artery.

Treatment of Haemorrhagic Stroke

Treatment of haemorrhagic stroke is quite different in comparison with Ischemic stroke. The different surgical methods included for treating this stroke are:

1. Aneurysm Clipping

This is a small clamp positioned at the base of the aneurysm that isolates it from the circulation of the attached artery. It also prevents the aneurysm from causing bleeding.

2. Aneurysm Embolisation

This includes inserting a catheter into the aneurysm to deposit a tiny coil that fills the aneurysm.

3. Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Removal

This is a surgical procedure for removing smaller AVMs or AMVs, which exist in a specific accessible portion of the brain, to eliminate the chances of rupture.

Undergoing medical treatment for a brain stroke can save millions of lives and reduce long-term problems if treated quickly. Doctors suggest opting for surgery, using proper medicines and any special procedure to restore the blood flow and safeguard the brain. Often, after treatment, stroke patients will need therapy to regain strength and skills.

A thorough understanding of the different treatment options enables patients and their families to make informed decisions. The quicker a stroke is treated, the better the chance of recovery and leading a normal life.

Also Read:

→ What is the Medical Term for Stroke

→ Mild Stroke Symptoms and Their Treatment