Stroke treatment and recovery involves IV medications in the beginning, and oral meds during the recovery phase of rehab.  Initial goal is to restore blood flow and begin the recovery process.  It is important to get medical treatment preferably within 3 hours.  An undiagnosed stroke can lead to severe brain damage and even death.

Two types of blood clots that cause a stroke are embolus and thrombus.  The embolus is piece of a blood clot that broke off and travels to another part of the body.  A thrombus forms inside the artery and does not travel.

Medications:

The role of medication is to restore blood flow to the cells.  Some meds are used to dissolve clots, and others work to prevent cells from adhering to each other, which result in the formation of a blood clot.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator ( tPA):  Is a clot busting medication given through an IV line, administered within 3 hours of symptom onset.  It works by breaking down the fibrin strands, and can only be given for ischemic strokes.

Antiplatelet Meds: Prevent platelet cells from adhering to each other.
Aspirin
Aggrenox 
Plavix

Is an antiplatelet to slow clotting time. Aggrenox and Plavix replaces aspirin when it is contraindicated.  The inhibition of clotting can lead to severe bleeding episodes, and is a side effect of using these drugs.

Anticoagulants:

Heparin
Warfarin (Coumadin)

These medications prevent clots from forming in the heart, due to in conditions such as atrial fibrillation.  A side effect of anticoagulants is the possibility of hemorrhage and bruising.

Vitamin K intake should be monitored while taking any anticoagulant. Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting and may counteract the mechanism of heparin and coumadin. This vitamin can be found in green vegetables.  You can eat green vegetables, of course, but your doctor may need to modify the dosage of your prescribed anticoagulant.

Recovery:

Once the patient is stable he will be released to a rehab facility or discharged to home where therapy can be done on an out patient basis, or in the home setting. Treatment will be on going for at least 6 months or more depending on the patients needs.  It is important to realize continued improvement will be a life long endeavor in stroke treatment and recovery.

If the patient is to be cared for at home, everyone must be willing to accept the changes that are bound to take place.  The patient and the caregiver must settle into a routine to make the transition as non traumatic as possible. Special home modifications may be required to accomodate the patients needs, such as hand rails in the bathroom and wheelchair ramps. 

If the patient is bed ridden, a hospital bed may be necessary. Special beds will help to prevent the incidence of decubitus ulcers from forming on the bony prominences of the body such as the elbow, heels, and pelvis bones.  To prevent ulcers, make sure the patient is turned on to the left side and right side, alternating sides, propped on pillows every 2 hours. This is very important not only to prevent bed sores, but prevention of pneumonia as well. Elevating the feet to keep heels free from any type of pressure will prevent ulcers in this area.

Any reddened areas on the skin indicate a need for repositioning to prevent further skin breakdown.  Be sure to notify the physician if skin break down occurs.