Routine testing
stroke patients:
- Full blood count, ESR
- Serlogical tests for syphilis
- Blood glucose
- Blood urea, electrolytes, proteins
- Chest radiograph
- ECG
- CT scan
Additional tests in younger
patients
- Antinuclear factor
- Anti-bodies to double-stranded DNA
- Anti-cardiolipin antibodies
- Lupus anti-coagulant
- Cholesterol
What is the treatment for stroke?
Early assessment of stroke is essential in order to start the
appropriate therapy and limit, if possible any further damage due to
stroke.
Management of acute stroke---general methods
- Careful nursing
Regular turning of a patient to avoid pressure sores; skin kept dry
and clean
- Care of airway
Oropharyngeal tube with regular suction of secretions if the
patient is unconscious
- Fluid balance
Nasogastric feeding if patient cannot swallow; bladder
catheterisation if incontinent
- Physiotherapy
Start immediately to prevent joint contractions; to clear chest
secretions; to promote recovery of strength and coordination
- Speech and occupational therapy
Start once acute stage over to assess functional problems and to
encourage recovery skills
Use of anticoagulation, which minimizes blood clotting, is one
treatment that can have value in certain stroke patients. The blood
sugar (glucose) in diabetics is often quite high after a stroke.
Controlling the glucose level may minimize the size of a stroke. Before
long, drugs that can actually dissolve blood clots may have a place in
stroke treatment. Oxygen is administered when necessary. New medications
that can help oxygen-starved brain cells survive, while circulation is
re-established, are being developed.
When a patient is no the mend after a stroke, the health care staff
turns toward maximizing the patient's functional abilities. The
rehabilitation process can involve speech therapy to relearn talking and
swallowing, occupational therapy for regaining dexterity of the arms and
hands, physical therapy for improving strength and walking, and family
education to orient them towards caring for their loved one at home. The
goal is for the patient to resume as many if not all of their pre-stroke
activities and functions.
What is a Stroke? |
What causes Stroke? |
Risk Factors for stroke.
Features of stroke |
How is a stroke diagnosed?