If a patient has suffered a stroke, they should be taken to the hospital immediately, preferably by calling an ambulance.
It is advisable for the family to accompany the patient in order to provide an interview about the illness (what symptoms occurred and under what circumstances), because the patient often cannot provide it himself (speech disorders, stress). It is also important to provide information cards about illnesses and medications taken.
In the hospital, the doctor will collect a detailed history of the disease, examine the patient, and then perform a series of tests to determine the type and cause of the stroke. If the patient reaches the hospital soon enough after the onset of symptoms and it turns out that the stroke is ischemic, thrombolytic treatment is possible (up to 3 hours after onset). It is a drug that is given to break the clot that blocks the blood flow in the artery.
The tests performed in the hospital include, among others:
- – Blood test to check the level of sugar, cholesterol, electrolytes, to detect coagulation disorders and blood composition.
- – ECG to detect heart rhythm disturbances or ischemia.
- – Chest X-ray to evaluate the heart and lungs.
- – A computerized scan of the head (CT) that confirms the diagnosis and determines whether the stroke is ischemic or haemorrhagic, and can show which part of the brain and how large the lesion is. This test will rule out any other cause of the disease that may cause similar clinical signs, such as a brain tumor.
- – Ultrasound of the arteries to determine if there is a narrowing or obstruction in the carotid and vertebral arteries.
- – In some cases, computer angiography (angioCT) or classic arterial arteriography (administration of contrast to the arteries) is performed – most often in patients with suspected cerebral artery aneurysm. When in doubt, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is performed.
What other treatments may take place in the hospital:
- In the case of urination disorders, the patient may have a catheter or diapers.
- In the case of swallowing disorders, the patient can be fed with a nasal tube, and in the case of long-lasting disorders – with a tube directly into the stomach (gastrostomy).
- In the event of respiratory disorders, the patient may have an endotracheal tube, a tracheotomy or be connected to a ventilator.
- It is recommended that all patients while lying down wear anti-coagulant stockings.
In the hospital, in addition to pharmacological treatment, the patient will start a comprehensive rehabilitation process: physical exercises, speech and thinking skills. Rehabilitation should begin as early as possible. During the patient’s stay in hospital, it is advisable that the family contact the doctor and physiotherapist in order to obtain information about the appropriate treatment of the patient and how they could help in the rehabilitation process so that he could recover faster.
The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.
Rehabilitator in your area