Stroke Treatments - Stroke Therapy and Cure

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident, CVA) is the third leading cause of death, and is the leading cause of disabilities in adults in the US . During a CVA, blood flow is decreased or lost due to a blockage or hemorrhage, resulting in damage to the brain and loss of the functions it controlled. But with early diagnosis and treatment, most patients walk away with slight residual effects or complete recovery. Other patients, however, are left with devastating disabilities that are life long. Promising research continues looking for a cure to help those with longer lasting disabilities.

Disabilities Related To Stroke:

• Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body including the face


• Learning disabilities


• Emotional problems


• Language impediments


• Difficulty swallowing


• Pain

The goal of treatment is to quickly restore blood flow to areas of the brain that are being deprived of oxygen and nutrients. When medical care is delayed, the results are ischemia and possible permanent loss of function.

Treatment:

Thrombolytics: Thrombolytics are medications used to dissolve blood clots. They must be administered within the first three hours of stroke onset. When used effectively, a clot that is obstructing an artery preventing blood blood flow to tissues can be obliterated with tPA, thus restoring blood flow.

Anticoagulants: Or blood thinners such as warfarin (coumadin) are prescribed for patients as part of their after care regimen. Coumadin prevents blood clots from forming allowing easier passage of blood through the arteries.

Antiplatelet Medications: Prevent the formation of blood clots by stopping the platelets from clumping together.

Surgery: When the carotid arteries have narrowed to the point of disrupting blood flow to the brain, a carotid endarterectomy is performed to surgically remove the plaque build up or blood clot. The carotids are located on both sides of the neck, and are the main arteries to the brain.

There is presently a trial procedure being conducted that involves inserting a thin wire with a balloon on the tip into an artery in the groin, and advancing it to the point of the obstruction and removing it. It is hoped that this surgery will one day replace the carotid endarterectomy.

A Potential for Cure:

Stem cell transplant: An experimental procedure in which a person's own stem cells are taken from the hip and injected intravenously. The cells travel to the site of injury and become actively involved in replacing the cells that were destroyed. This procedure is the closest thing to a cure, but is not yet approved by the FDA. It is currently still in clinical trials.

Rehabilitation:

Physical Therapy: Is instrumental in helping patients relearn skills related to walking, coordination, and balance.

Occupational Therapy: Involves helping stroke patients relearn the skills of activities for daily living, such as learning to eat, drink, bathe, and toilet themselves. This retraining will enable to patient to eventually live independently again.

Speech Therapy: Patients diagnosed with aphasia need speech rehab to regain their ability to speak and understand speech. It helps the patient to be able to communicate with others and prevents feelings of isolation.

Effective treatments and therapy for stroke are ever advancing, and research indicates there is a potential for a cure in the not to distant future, via stem cell transplantation.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT