Stroke Treatment

A stroke occurs when the brain is suddenly deprived of blood and oxygen. With each passing minute, brain tissue dies. When brain tissue dies, disability and even death can occur. Immediate medical care can stop stroke caused by a blockage in a blood... Full Answer

If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this simple test: F -- FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A -- ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S -- SPEECH: Ask the... Full Answer

Carotid artery endarterectomy is a surgery performed to treat carotid artery disease, which is the narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries which supply the brain with blood. The surgery is performed using a local or general anesthetic. The surgery... Full Answer

The first few hours and days after a stroke, the patient is at great risk of having another stroke. Stroke patients are also very susceptible to serious complications that can include seizures, brain swelling, and pneumonia. It will take time to assess... Full Answer

Depending on the type of stroke, treatments options will vary. In the case of hemorrhagic strokes, surgery may be an option to control bleeding and to prevent another hemorrhage from occurring. Doctors will also closely monitor a person's blood pressure... Full Answer

For the quickest diagnosis and initiation of early treatment, it is important to go to a primary or comprehensive stroke treatment center, when possible, if you think you may be having a stroke. (If you are having stroke symptoms, do not drive... Full Answer

Tissue plasminogen activator, commonly called tPA, is the first drug approved by FDA to treat acute stroke. TPA dissolves clots and can stop a stroke in progress and reduce disability. However, to be eligible for tPA, you must arrive at the hospital... Full Answer

If the severity of your risk factors appears to put you at significant risk of a stroke, or if the lifestyle modifications and medications you have been taking to control your risk factors are not successful, your primary care physician may refer you to... Full Answer

If your primary care physician is working with you to lower your risk of stroke, he or she is likely to recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your risk. A range of professionals can help you monitor your health and assist you in making these lifestyle... Full Answer

The major blood supply to the brain travels through a pair of arteries (carotid arteries) on each side of the neck. Sometimes cholesterol plaques form in these arteries. This reduces the blood supply to the brain and increases the risk that a clot can... Full Answer