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Acute Stroke Management in the Era of Thrombectomy

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Acute Stroke Management in the Era of Thrombectomy

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. In the United States, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Approximately 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year, and about 130,000 of those strokes are fatal.

Acute Stroke Management in the Era of Thrombectomy

by Julie Mulhern

5 out of 5

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Strokes can be divided into two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by a blockage in an artery leading to the brain, while hemorrhagic strokes are caused by a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.

The management of acute stroke has changed dramatically in recent years with the advent of thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that can remove blood clots from blocked arteries in the brain. Thrombectomy has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with ischemic stroke, and it is now considered the standard of care for patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO).

This article provides a comprehensive overview of acute stroke management in the era of thrombectomy. We will discuss the latest advancements in stroke management, the role of thrombectomy in the treatment of ischemic stroke, and the best practices for healthcare professionals.

Diagnosis of Stroke

The diagnosis of stroke is based on a combination of symptoms and physical examination findings. Symptoms of stroke can include:

* Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body * Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech * Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes * Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination problems * Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Stroke is a medical emergency, and early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

Treatment of Stroke

The treatment of stroke depends on the type of stroke and the severity of the symptoms.

Ischemic Stroke

The treatment of ischemic stroke is focused on restoring blood flow to the affected area of the brain. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including:

* Thrombectomy: Thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that can remove blood clots from blocked arteries in the brain. Thrombectomy is the standard of care for patients with LVO. * Intravenous thrombolysis: Intravenous thrombolysis is a medication that can dissolve blood clots. Intravenous thrombolysis is only effective for patients with small blood clots. * Aspirin: Aspirin is a medication that can help to prevent blood clots from forming. Aspirin is often given to patients with ischemic stroke to prevent future strokes.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

The treatment of hemorrhagic stroke is focused on stopping the bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including:

* Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to stop the bleeding and remove the blood clot. * Endovascular embolization: Endovascular embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to block the bleeding blood vessel. * Medications: Medications can be used to reduce pressure in the brain and prevent seizures.

Rehabilitation After Stroke

After a stroke, it is important to receive rehabilitation to help you regain function. Rehabilitation can include:

* Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help you to improve your mobility and strength. * Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help you to improve your daily living skills. * Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help you to improve your speech and language skills.

Rehabilitation can be challenging, but it can help you to regain function and improve your quality of life.

Stroke is a serious medical emergency, but it is important to remember that there is hope for recovery. With early diagnosis and treatment, many people who have a stroke can go on to live full and active lives.

Healthcare professionals play a vital role in the management of acute stroke. By staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in stroke care, healthcare professionals can help to improve outcomes for patients with stroke.

Acute Stroke Management in the Era of Thrombectomy

by Julie Mulhern

5 out of 5