Ischemic Stroke Guidelines (Providing Care For Stroke Patients)

Ischemic stroke, or also known as brain ischemia is a kind of stroke that is caused by an obstruction in the artery that brings blood to the brain. Healthcare professionals follow strict ischemic stroke guidelines in diagnosing and treating patients. If untreated, it could lead to serious complications and several dental health problems. Click here to read about oral health care and how to maintain it despite being a stroke patient.

A Brief Background

As mentioned, acute ischemic stroke occurs due to the blockage in the artery in the brain. When this happens, the blood and supply in the brain will be reduced resulting in damage or expiration of the brain cells. This situation needs immediate medical care because the brain damage can be permanent if it is not re-established right away.

Acute ischemic stroke can be identified into two categories, thrombotic and embolic. Thrombotic stroke, as per definition, happens when a blockage occurs within the brain. Embolic stroke, on the other hand, starts when a clot blocks the artery from somewhere outside the brain.

Ischemic Stroke Symptoms

The symptoms will depend on which part of the brain is actually affected. Health professionals share some of the most common acute ischemic stroke which are as follows:

• double vision, problems in eyesight
• weakness on one or both limbs
• feeling dizzy
• confused emotions
• unbalanced coordination
• drooping of face

Ischemic Stroke Guidelines

Health professionals follow certain protocols and guidelines in providing care for ischemic stroke patients. The guidelines are thoroughly thought through and discussed by distinguished members of the American Stroke Organization (ASA) and the American Heart Association (AHA). By 2019, the guidelines were finalized and published effectively.

The guidelines for acute ischemic stroke patients are as follows:

• Suspected stroke patients must be immediately transported to the nearest health facility that can provide IV-tPa.
• The effects of IV tPA are limited and the patient must be treated with utmost emergence.
• IV tPA must be administered to all acute ischemic stroke patients within 3 hours after their attack.
• For patients with mild non-disabling symptoms, IV tPA is typically not recommended.
• Patients below 18 years of age should undergo mechanical thrombectomy especially if they have minor disability prior to the stroke.
• Undergoing a perfusion imaging or an MRI is recommended for stroke patients who have large vessel occlusion in the artery.
• The treatment should include mechanical thrombectomy.
• Aspirin can be prescribed after 24 to 48 hours of the attack.
• For patients with minor ischemic stroke who did not receive IV tPA, healthcare professionals suggest aspirin and clopidogrel must be taken for the next 21 days.
• All stroke units and equipment for stroke management are recommended for all stroke patients.

Note that these guidelines are subject to change at any time and can be updated in accordance with what the Health Associations deemed appropriate.

Complications Caused By Ischemic Stroke

Patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke are most likely at risk of complications brought by the stroke. Listed below are the most common complications caused by stroke according to health professionals:

1. Dental health problems. This dentist in Coopers Plains suggests that stroke and dental health are correlated in some way because poor oral health can increase the risk of stroke and vice versa.
2. Swelling of the brain.
3. Pneumonia. One of the major complications is problems in breathing patterns.
4. UTI. Due to the inability of the patient to control their bladder functions, a catheter is often attached to them.
5. Seizures. Major stroke patients often suffer from seizures due to the unusual electroactivity in the brain.
6. Depression. Because of the emotional stress and trauma that stroke brings, it usually causes depression to its patients.

Home Care For Ischemic Stroke Patients

After being discharged from the hospital, ischemic stroke patients need time to recover which means that they need to be cared for at home. You can provide care for your loved one by following these tips:

1. Encourage them to perform rehabilitation exercises every day.
2. Just be supportive. Avoid overreacting and overprotecting.
3. Search for helpful tips from people who care for stroke patients as well.
4. Be mindful of their needs.
5. Record the side effects of their medication.
6. Observe them from time to time and see if there are any signs of an upcoming stroke.
7. Be strong for them. Don’t show them signs of weakness.
8. Ask them to join family gatherings despite their condition.
9. Provide support if needed. Do not let them fall as it can cause serious threats.