Stroke Treatment

Since stroke is a medical emergency, evaluation begins immediately after the patient arrives at the hospital. The evaluation may include: Neurological examination, CT scan or MRI of the brain, CT angiography or cerebral angiography (if required), Blood tests, ECG and heart evaluation. Doctors also assess the patient's symptoms, medical history, medications, and the exact time when stroke symptoms first appeared to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Once the type of stroke is confirmed, treatment begins immediately. For ischemic stroke, doctors may administer clot-busting medication (thrombolysis) if the patient arrives within the recommended treatment window. Patients with large artery blockages may undergo mechanical thrombectomy, where a catheter is used to remove the clot from the blocked blood vessel. For hemorrhagic stroke, treatment focuses on controlling bleeding, reducing pressure within the brain, and preventing further damage. Some patients may require brain surgery, aneurysm clipping, coiling, or other neurosurgical procedures. The duration of emergency treatment varies depending on the patient's condition and the procedure performed.

After treatment, patients are closely monitored in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or dedicated stroke unit. Early rehabilitation begins as soon as the patient is medically stable. Patients may require: Blood pressure management, Medications to prevent future strokes, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Speech and swallowing therapy, Lifestyle modifications and nutritional counselling. Seek immediate medical attention if new symptoms such as sudden weakness, speech difficulty, severe headache, confusion, or vision loss occur after discharge.