What is New in Stroke Treatment?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), not only does one person in the U.S. die from a stroke every four minutes, but nearly 800,000 people within the U.S. experience a stroke each year. Stroke is the leading cause of death in the U.S., as well as the leading culprit of long-term disability. While a stroke can occur at any age, the risk of stroke does increase as you age.
Because stroke makes up such a large percentage of health care incidents in the U.S., stroke research is taking place all the time. Thanks to this research, the warning signs of a stroke and the importance of acting quickly to seek care when a stroke occurs are now commonly shared information. However, as common at strokes are, many people are wondering – what is new in stroke treatment?
New Treatment for Stroke Recovery
When looking at what is new in stroke treatment and new treatment for stroke recovery, it is important to remember that research is advancing the ability of doctors to treat strokes all the time. But if you or a loved one are at increased risk of stroke, it can feel like medical advances are moving too slowly. The good news is, since 2020, there have been several steps forward toward finding a new treatment for stroke recovery:
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that new advances in rehabilitation and imaging are showing that the brain can compensate for lost function as a result of a stroke. Currently, NINDS researchers are exploring the process of brain damage that results from a stroke and the mechanisms of stroke risk factors.
- In 2020, the University of Calgary released a study that showed hope for preserving brain cells for a time after a stroke occurs. The study is exploring treating acute ischemic stroke patients with a neuroprotective drug, combined with a surgical procedure that is designed to remove the brain clot.
Best Therapy for Stroke
New discoveries and advancements in the study of stroke treatment will bring new hope and opportunities for stroke patients. However, there are some basics that provide the best therapy for stroke that are important to know and that make a huge difference in limiting long-term effects. These include:
Know the signs. Knowing what to look for during a stroke can lead to faster medical care for you or your loved one. Here are some of the signs:
- Trouble seeing with one or both eyes
- Confusion or difficulty understanding other people
- Dizziness
- Difficulty speaking
- Severe headache for no reason
- Problems with balance
- Numbness or weakness in the face, leg or arm, especially on one side of the body
Act fast. The more quickly a patient receives treatment for a stroke, the better the chances of recovery. With quick medical intervention, there is also a reduced risk of permanent disability and brain damage.
Learn the facts. Following a stroke, you will likely be in the hospital for several days. Be open and communicative with your stroke team and listen when they explain your condition. Ask questions and learn all you can about what may have caused the stroke, what type of stroke occurred and what type of rehabilitation is recommended.
Understand the recovery options. While the best therapy for stroke depends on the circumstances of each patient, it is recommended for most patients to recover in an inpatient facility designed to care for stroke patients. Communities like Carlinville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center have the right environment and expertise to support stroke patients on their recovery journey.
Work the process and appreciate your progress. During your time in rehabilitation, it is important to follow the advice of your support team. At Carlinville Rehabilitation, you will have a personalized care plan designed to help you meet your recovery goals. Celebrate your victories along the way!
Paving the Road Forward
At Carlinville, Rehabilitation, we have the team, the tools and the experience to support you or a loved one after a stroke, or any other serious medical event. We use special therapy practices to ensure you are able to exercise safely using state-of-the-art equipment to build strength and improve mobility. Our multi-dimensional approach to care also includes nutrition planning, recreational activities and access to specialty therapies.
Contact Carlinville Rehabilitation today to schedule a tour and learn more about our approach to support and recovery.