How to identify the early signs and symptoms of a stroke
High blood pressure: the main risk factor for cerebral hemorrhage.
Cerebral aneurysms: weakness in the walls of blood vessels.
Head injuries and vascular malformations.
Other risk factors include smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and high cholesterol.
Stroke treatment: how does it work?
Stroke treatment depends on the type of stroke and how quickly the patient arrives at the hospital. Let’s look at the most common treatments.
Treatment of ischemic stroke:
Thrombolysis: Administration of anticoagulant medications, such as tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), to dissolve the clot. This treatment is most effective when started within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Mechanical thrombectomy: A procedure to mechanically remove the clot from large arteries, most successful up to 24 hours after the first signs.
Treatment of hemorrhagic stroke
: Blood pressure control: Essential to limit bleeding.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove accumulated blood or repair the ruptured vessel.
In addition, rehabilitation is crucial after a stroke. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to help the patient regain motor, cognitive, and speech functions.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Stroke
1. What can be done to relieve stroke symptoms?
After a stroke, the main focus is rehabilitation, with physical therapy to regain strength and movement, as well as strict control of risk factors such as blood pressure and glucose to prevent further episodes.
2. What is the best medication to treat a stroke?
In the case of an ischemic stroke, the drug tPA can dissolve the clot if administered quickly. Anticoagulants such as aspirin and warfarin are used to prevent future strokes. In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, strict blood pressure control is essential.
3. What are the benefits of rehabilitation after a stroke?
Rehabilitation helps restore mobility, speech, and independence. The sooner it begins, the greater the chances of functional recovery.
4. How does hormone replacement therapy work in stroke treatment?
Although hormone therapy is not used directly to treat stroke, it is important to manage hormonal factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of another stroke.
What should you do if you identify the symptoms of a stroke?
If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms, it is essential to act quickly. Follow the steps below:
Call 192 (SAMU): Time is of the essence. The faster the medical attention, the greater the chances of recovery.
Keep the person calm: Help the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Note the time: Write down the time the symptoms began. This is important for the doctors to decide on the appropriate treatment.
Do not administer medication: Do not give aspirin or any other medication unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.
Recognizing the signs of a stroke can save lives. Every minute without treatment increases the risk of permanent damage. Therefore, it is vital that you know and understand these symptoms so you can act quickly and effectively. Share this information with friends and family so everyone is prepared to recognize a possible stroke.
