How Strokes Are Treated
A stroke is a medical emergency. Treatment works best when it begins as quickly as possible.
The right treatment depends on:
- The type of stroke
- Where the stroke happened in the brain
- How severe it is
- The person’s health history
- How much time has passed since symptoms began
Call 911 Right Away
If someone shows signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately.
Do not wait to see whether the symptoms go away. Do not drive the person to the hospital unless emergency services are not available.
Emergency medical teams can begin care on the way to the hospital and alert the stroke team before the patient arrives.
It is also important to know when the person was last seen acting normally. This helps doctors decide which treatments may be safe.
What Happens at the Hospital?
The medical team will quickly check the person’s symptoms, blood pressure, heart rate, medications and health history.
A brain scan, usually a CT scan, is used to find out whether the stroke was caused by:
- A blocked blood vessel
- Bleeding in or around the brain
This is important because the treatments are different.
Treatment for a Stroke Caused by a Blood Clot
This is called an ischemic stroke. It happens when a clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain.
Treatment focuses on reopening the blocked blood vessel.
Clot-Busting Medicine
Some patients may receive medicine through an IV to help dissolve the blood clot.
This treatment works best when it is given soon after symptoms begin. Not everyone can safely receive this medicine, so the medical team must review the patient’s brain scan, medications and health history first.
Clot-Removal Procedure
Some large blood clots can be removed through a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy.
During this procedure, a specialist guides a small device through a blood vessel and removes the clot from the brain.
This treatment may be available for certain patients, even several hours after symptoms begin. Special brain imaging helps doctors decide who may benefit.
Treatment for a Stroke Caused by Bleeding
This is called a hemorrhagic stroke. It happens when a blood vessel breaks and causes bleeding in or around the brain.
Treatment may include:
- Lowering very high blood pressure
- Reversing blood-thinning medications
- Reducing swelling or pressure in the brain
- Treating seizures or other complications
- Surgery or another procedure to stop the bleeding
- Repairing a weak or damaged blood vessel
Some patients may need care from brain surgeons or other specialists.
Treatment for a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm is a weak area in a blood vessel. If it breaks, it can cause bleeding around the brain.
Doctors may repair the aneurysm with surgery or a procedure done through the blood vessels.
These patients need close monitoring because additional problems can develop after the bleeding occurs.
Care in a Stroke Unit
Whenever possible, stroke patients should be cared for by a trained stroke team.
The team may include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, social workers and other specialists.
During the hospital stay, the team may:
- Watch the patient’s breathing, heart rhythm and blood pressure
- Check whether the patient can swallow safely
- Prevent infections, falls and blood clots
- Manage fever and blood sugar
- Begin rehabilitation
- Help plan for care after the patient leaves the hospital
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Rehabilitation often begins in the hospital once the patient is medically stable.
Stroke rehabilitation may help with:
- Walking and balance
- Arm and hand movement
- Speech and communication
- Swallowing
- Memory and thinking
- Vision
- Emotions
- Everyday activities such as dressing, eating and bathing
The rehabilitation team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, doctors and counselors.
Recovery is different for every person. Some people improve quickly, while others need longer-term support.
Preventing Another Stroke
After a stroke, the medical team will work to find the cause and lower the risk of another one.
The prevention plan may include:
- Medications to help prevent blood clots
- Treatment for an irregular heartbeat
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
- Quitting tobacco
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Being physically active when medically safe
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Keeping follow-up appointments
Patients should not start, stop or change aspirin, blood thinners or other medications without talking to their health-care provider.
Remember: Time Is Brain
Fast treatment can save brain tissue, reduce disability and save lives.
Remember BE FAST:
B – Balance: Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes
F – Face: One side of the face droops
A – Arms: One arm becomes weak or numb
S – Speech: Speech becomes slurred, confused or difficult
T – Time: Call 911 immediately
Even if the symptoms go away, the person still needs emergency care. Temporary symptoms may be a warning sign that a larger stroke could happen.
This information is for general education and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health-care professional.
