Stroke care

The neurologist performs special treatment for stroke patients, depending on the type of stroke the patient has, whether it is caused by a blood clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) or bleeding. in or around the brain (hemorrhagic events).

• Treatment of ischemic stroke. Early treatment of ischemic stroke will focus on maintaining the airway, controlling blood pressure, and restoring blood flow. Manipulation can be done by:

• RTPA injection. Injections of rtPA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) through an infusion help restore blood flow. However, not all patients can receive this treatment. The doctor will determine whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for rtPA.
• Antiplatelet drug. Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, are used to prevent blood clots.
• Anticoagulants To prevent blood clots, patients can receive anticoagulants, such as heparin, which act by changing the composition of clotting factors in the blood. Anticoagulants are usually given to stroke patients with heart rhythm disorders.
• Antihypertensive drugs. In new stroke patients, blood pressure is usually not lowered too low to maintain blood supply to the brain. However, after the situation is stable, blood pressure will be lowered to optimal levels. Hypertension medications are also used to prevent recurrent strokes, with hypertension being the most common risk factor for stroke. Examples of antihypertensive drugs are angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (alpha and beta blockers), thiazide diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.

• Statins. Your doctor will prescribe statol-cholesterol, such as atorvastatin, to treat high cholesterol. Statins are useful for inhibiting cholesterol-producing enzymes in the liver.
• Carotid endarterectomy. Sometimes, surgery is needed to prevent the recurrence of ischemic stroke, one of which is carotid endarterectomy. During this procedure, the doctor removes the mass of fat that blocks the carotid artery during surgery on the patient's neck. Katoris arteries are arteries on each side of the neck that lead to the brain. Although the effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy surgery in the prevention of ischemic stroke is relatively high, this procedure is not entirely safe for patients who also suffer from other conditions, including heart disease.
• Angioplasty Aside from carotid endarterectomy, the carotid artery can also be enlarged with angioplasty techniques. Angioplasty is performed using a catheter that is inserted into a vein in the groin and then directed to the carotid artery. This catheter carries special balloons and stents. Once inside the carotid artery, the balloon is inflated to dilate the blocked artery and is supported by a ring or stent.

• Treatment of hemorrhagic stroke. In the case of hemorrhagic stroke, initial treatment is aimed at reducing pressure on the brain and controlling bleeding. There are several forms of treatment for hemorrhagic stroke, including:

• Medicine. Doctors can give medicines to reduce pressure in the brain, lower blood pressure and prevent seizures. If the patient uses an anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug, your doctor will give you a blood clotting factor transfusion or medication to reverse the effects of the anticoagulant drug.

• Surgery Apart from medication, hemorrhagic stroke can also be treated surgically. Surgery is performed to reduce pressure in the brain and, if possible, repair damaged blood vessels

• Treatment of AIT (transient ischemic attack). TIA treatment aims to control risk factors that can trigger a stroke, so as to prevent stroke. The doctor will prescribe medications that include antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents, cholesterol drugs, and antihypertensive drugs, depending on the patient's risk factors. In some cases, carotid endarterectomy surgical procedures are needed in cases of carotid artery fat accumulation.

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