Stroke Care
Stroke Care Risk Factors Classification Assessment Treatment References	Treatment Treatment must be administered in a timely manner once the patient has been diagnosed by emergency department providers; stroke treatment is based on the form of stroke, while the duration and severity of signs and symptoms are also considered when determining effective interventions in patient care. Furthermore, the patient’s age and pre-existing medical conditions may also affect the choice of treatment provided by emergency department providers. Options that may be offered: · Clot-busting drugs, known as thrombolytic drugs, are administered to dissipate the blockage in blood vessels supplying blood to the brain; these patients, who have experienced a thrombotic stroke, must receive this treatment within three hours from the initial recognition of stroke-like signs and symptoms. · Surgery can be done to remove the blockage in a blood vessel that is supplying blood to the brain. Surgery can also be done to evacuate the blood and repair the blood vessel that is leaking blood inside the brain or in the space between the skull and the brain. · Non-surgical interventions include the use of a slim tube that is utilized for similar outcomes achieved in surgery for stroke patients. (Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, 2009h)
Ms. Simmi Prasad April 9, 2009