Stroke

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?