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About Stroke
Treatment
Medical treatments can help to control the risk factors that put people at
higher risk for stroke. These include treating high blood pressure, heart
disease, and diabetes. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking can also
lower the risk of stroke. See our section on Risk
Factors.
Acute stroke therapies try to stop a stroke while it is
happening. These treatments try to dissolve the blood clot causing an ischemic stroke or
to stop the bleeding of a hemorrhagic stroke. These therapies are most
effective when given very soon after the onset of a stroke.
Post–stroke treatment and rehabilitation are used to lower the risk of
another stroke and to help patients overcome disabilities that result from
stroke. People who have had a stroke can do things to lower their risk of
having another stroke. These include controlling their underlying risk
factors. See our section on Risk Factors.
Rehabilitation helps stroke victims relearn skills that may be lost when
the brain is damaged. Rehabilitation may include the following:
- Physical therapy to help restore movement, balance, and
coordination.
- Occupational therapy to help the patient relearn everyday
activities such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, cooking,
reading and writing.
- Speech therapy to help stroke patients relearn language and
speaking skills, including swallowing, or learn other forms of
communication.
- Psychological or psychiatric help after a stroke. Psychological
problems, such as depression, anxiety, frustration, and anger, can be
common after a stroke.
The best treatment for stroke is the take steps to lower the risk for
stroke. All persons can take steps to lower their risk for stroke. See our
section on Risk Factors.
Page last reviewed: October 10, 2007
Page last modified: February 9, 2007
Content source: Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion
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