What medicine is used for stroke?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on December 25, 2024
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Stroke primarily refers to cerebrovascular disease, which is divided into two main categories. The first category is hemorrhagic stroke, including cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and other diseases. The second category is ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, including cerebral thrombosis, cerebral embolism, and other diseases. Thus, although both categories are classified as stroke, the medications used are different. For cerebral hemorrhage, the patient needs to rest in bed and must strictly control blood pressure, primarily using medications that strictly control blood pressure. There are no special oral medications, but intravenous medications can be given to protect brain nerves. If intracranial pressure is high, some dehydrating and intracranial pressure-reducing medications can be administered. For ischemic stroke, such as cerebral thrombosis, it is crucial to get to the hospital quickly. If it is within the thrombolytic time window, intravenous thrombolytic drugs can be administered for treatment, from which many patients may benefit. Additionally, it is necessary to take long-term medications that prevent platelet aggregation and regulate blood lipids, as well as stabilize arterial atherosclerotic plaques.

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Written by Zhao Zi Pan
Neurology
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Can a stroke be cured?

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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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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Common clinical manifestations of stroke

Stroke includes ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, also known as cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage. The clinical manifestations of cerebral infarction depend on the location of the occlusion, and may vary accordingly. Common symptoms include slurred speech and limb weakness. It generally occurs acutely, and may also include memory decline or a series of other symptoms depending on the specific location of the occlusion. If these symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as there is an opportunity for thrombolytic treatment within 4.5 hours. In the case of cerebral hemorrhage, patients may experience symptoms during physical activity, possibly accompanied by severe headaches, as well as symptoms of neurological deficits such as unclear speech, limb weakness, or other symptoms. Seizures may also occur. It is essential to visit the hospital immediately if these symptoms appear. If cerebral hemorrhage is confirmed, the decision for surgical treatment depends on the amount of bleeding.

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

Stroke is divided into hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke involves cerebral hemorrhage, while ischemic stroke involves cerebral infarction. Therefore, the difference is that stroke includes cerebral infarction, which is a type of ischemic stroke. In such cases, it is crucial to seek prompt hospital treatment and examine for risk factors related to cerebrovascular disease. Under the guidance of a doctor, the condition should be stabilized since the acute phase of a cerebral infarction might be unstable and could worsen. Thus, after stabilizing the condition, long-term oral medication will also be necessary to prevent future strokes.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Stroke, also commonly referred to as cerebrovascular accident, is caused by the rupture or blockage of blood vessels within the skull, leading to necrosis of brain tissue and a series of symptoms. It is divided into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke, commonly known as cerebral infarction or stroke, while hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage. Generally, ischemic strokes account for 80% of cases. Ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of blood vessels leading to necrosis of brain tissue, presenting with a series of symptoms such as hemiplegic numbness. Cerebral hemorrhage results from rupture of brain blood vessels causing damage to brain cells and symptoms of compression, and may also present with symptoms such as hemiplegic numbness. Both types can be differentiated by their symptoms, and can also be definitively diagnosed through a CT scan.

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Written by Zhang Hui
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.