Can a stroke be cured?

Written by Zhao Zi Pan
Neurology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Stroke can result in sequelae such as deviation of the mouth, slurred speech, hemiplegia, numbness of extremities, coughing when drinking water, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. If the stroke affects a smaller area or is not located in a critical area, recovery tends to be better. However, if the infarct is large or occurs in a critical area like the brainstem, sequelae may persist, with partial function recovery possible within about three to six months.

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Neurology
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Post-stroke depression

Recent studies have confirmed that in addition to language dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and motor dysfunction, stroke patients also exhibit many signs of depression. According to guidelines published in China in 2016, about 33% of stroke patients experience post-stroke depression, which is a very high proportion. The main symptoms of post-stroke depression include a lack of interest in anything, unwillingness to communicate with others, being quiet and reticent, non-compliance with medication, and non-cooperation with rehabilitation training. Post-stroke depression significantly affects the recovery of patients and their future quality of life. Some patients may even turn to suicide due to depression. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to depression after a stroke, as the incidence rate of post-stroke depression is very high, reaching up to 33%. Clinicians must carefully identify it, and family members of patients must be attentive in their care.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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The difference between stroke and cerebral hemorrhage

Stroke includes hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke refers to cerebral infarction. Thus, they are included in the category of stroke. If symptoms similar to stroke occur, such as facial droop and limb weakness, along with a sudden increase in blood pressure, it is essential to go to the hospital immediately. The first step should be a cranial CT scan to determine whether it is a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, to guide further different treatments. Therefore, one must go to the hospital promptly if such symptoms appear.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction

The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction lies in the scope of stroke, which is broader and includes cerebral infarction. Stroke is divided into hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Common types of hemorrhagic stroke include cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Common types of ischemic stroke include cerebral infarction and cerebral thrombosis. Thus, the scope of stroke is relatively large and includes cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction occurs when a blockage in the cerebral blood vessels leads to ischemia, edema, and necrosis of the brain tissue in the supplied area, resulting in symptoms of stroke. Additionally, cerebral embolism occurs when an embolus from another part of the body detaches and blocks a brain artery, causing ischemia and necrosis of the brain tissue in the supplied area, also leading to stroke.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Precautions for Stroke Patients Using Mannitol

Patients with stroke, if experiencing cerebral hemorrhage, extensive cerebral infarction, or cerebral embolism, can develop cerebral edema. In such cases, it is necessary to use mannitol for dehydration to reduce intracranial pressure. Therefore, it is crucial to strictly determine the appropriate indications. For patients with cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral embolism, or extensive cerebral infarction, the peak period of cerebral edema generally occurs between five to seven days, during which time mannitol should be used to lower intracranial pressure. If the acute phase has passed, then there is no need to use mannitol. For some patients, using mannitol weeks later not only lacks therapeutic effect, it might even worsen the condition. Additionally, when using mannitol, it is important to monitor the patient's renal function. In patients with renal insufficiency, the use of mannitol may exacerbate renal damage, so monitoring changes in renal function is essential. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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What does a stroke cause?

Stroke primarily causes neurological deficits such as limb paralysis in patients. This paralysis is typically hemiplegic, where one side of the body lacks strength, the affected limbs cannot walk, and the upper limbs cannot be lifted. Stroke can also cause numbness in the limbs. Patients may experience reduced pain and temperature sensation on one side of the body, unable to feel pain or temperature. Additionally, stroke can lead to headaches and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, commonly seen in hemorrhagic strokes, such as cerebral hemorrhage. Furthermore, strokes in specific brain areas like the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and hippocampus can cause cognitive impairments. Patients become slow to react, have significantly reduced learning and memory capabilities, and their ability to perform daily activities and work is noticeably affected. Strokes can also cause unclear speech, where patients have difficulties in expressing themselves verbally and may even be unable to understand conversations.