Stroke Treatment & Rehabilitation

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), more than 700,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year and about two-thirds of them require rehabilitation. Early treatment may help prevent serious damage, but even those who receive immediate medical attention may require some form of stroke rehab to maintain their daily lives and restore the ability to perform tasks that have been lost due to brain damage as the result of a stroke.

Stroke Treatment

• The initial treatment for a stroke depends on the type of stroke a person is suffering. An ischemic stroke is the result of a blocked blood vessel that supplies the brain with blood. According to the American Stroke Association, about 85 percent of strokes are ischemic. (See Reference 2) Early treatment for an ischemic stroke focuses on removing the obstruction to restore blood flow to the brain. Tissue plasminogen activator is a medication used when a stroke is detected early to break up blood clots. Antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin, may help prevent recurrent strokes and can help ensure a better outcome if given within 48 hours of a stroke. Plavix is a prescription medication often prescribed to recent stroke victims to help prevent the formation of blood clots. Antiplatelet medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as heartburn, nausea and ulcers, so it is important for patients to consult with their doctors about any side effects they experience.

  A hemorrhagic stroke is the result of a weakened blood vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes usually require surgery to relieve pressure on the brain caused by the sudden flow of blood. The surgery usually also helps prevent further strokes because the defective blood vessel is sealed and other blood vessels are manipulated to redirect blood flow to the part of the brain previously supplied by the damaged vessel.

Stroke Disabilities

• Post-stroke patients can experience many different side effects and disturbances that rehab can address and minimize. Sensory problems, including lost sensitivity to pain, temperature or touch, are common and can result in weak or paralyzed limbs, loss of urinary continence and injury due to the inability to perceive pain. Problems speaking and understanding others are also common in stroke victims when the language center of the brain has been damaged by a stroke. Thought processes are often disturbed, making it difficult for post-stroke patients to carry out multi-step tasks. Memory loss can further complicate normal life.

Stroke Rehabilitation

• Stroke rehabilitation usually begins very quickly after initial treatment. Stroke patients are encouraged to move and change positions as much as possible since loss of motor function on one side of the body is common after suffering a stroke. Physical therapy is necessary for nearly all post-stroke patients to help restore lost motor function and rebuild strength. Occupational therapy can help stroke victims relearn daily tasks such as grooming, dressing and household tasks. Speech and language therapy helps stroke victims relearn communication skills through speaking, listening and writing exercises. Outpatient and home-based rehab is appropriate for many stroke victims, but many hospitals and nursing facilities have inpatient stroke rehabilitation programs for patients suffering from severe impairments. Inpatient care usually lasts for two to three weeks, while outpatient and home-based care can last from several months to several years depending on the patient's need for ongoing care.