TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 6
profile), Kidney function (creatinine and Blood urea nitrogen) and liver function (Alanine
Aminotransferase).
What are the available treatment options?
The goal in treating a stroke is to stabilize the patient, restore the lost blood
flow and deliver enough oxygen to recover brain function. The treatment of
stroke varies individually and depends on the extent of the brain tissue damage:
? Thrombolysis (recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator or rTPA) – used
to dissolve the dangerous clots in the blood vessels. It is given for the ischemic
type of stroke and if the patient came in within the golden period of about 3 to 4.5
hours from the symptom onset.
? Mechanical Thrombectomy - a procedure to remove the dangerous clot
causing the signs and symptoms of stroke by using a small wire inserted in a blood
vessel to retrieve/dissolve the clot directly.
? Surgical treatment – can be done for hemorrhagic stroke wherein there is a
need to remove the actual blood to minimize complications. If a ruptured aneurysm is
suspected, a surgical clip or a metal coil can be inserted to seal the leak.
What are the possible complications?
*Paralysis or loss of muscle movement– permanent weakness or loss of sensation of
one side of the face, arm and/or leg
*Difficulty talking or swallowing - A stroke might affect the control of the muscles
in your mouth and throat, making it difficult for you to talk clearly (dysarthria), swallow
(dysphagia) or eat.
*Cognitive Dysfunction - These include memory loss, difficulty thinking, making
decisions, judgment, reasoning and understanding concepts.
*Poor quality of life - People who have had a stroke need assistance to accomplish their
activities of daily living, such as bathing, clothing, and eating.
How can The Medical City help you?
At The Medical City, we have a complete roster of physicians who can assess, diagnose, and
treat stroke. Specialists include Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Emergency Medicine Doctors,
Radiologists, Internists, as well as Rehabilitation Specialists, Nutritionists and Psychiatrists for
long term care post-stroke.
Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis, or treatment.
For inquiries, you may contact
INSTITUTE OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
Department of Neurology
4th Floor, Podium Bldg, The Medical City
Tel. No: (+632) 988-1000 / (+632) 9887000 ext. 6270
INSTITUTE OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
Acute Stroke Unit
3rd Floor, Podium Bldg, The Medical City
Tel. No: (+632) 988-1000 / (+632) 9887000 ext. 6281 or 6634
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Ground Floor, Podium Building, The Medical City
Tel. No.: (+632) 988-1000 / (+632) 9887000 ext. 6174 or 7876
References:
*Mayo Clinic. Updated 20 Jan 2016. Stroke
*Tintinalli, J.F., Stapczynski, J.S. , Ma, O.J., Cline, D., Meckler, G. D. & Yealy, D. M.
(2016). Tintinalli Emergency Medicine; A Comprehensive Study Guide. New
York: McGraw-Hill Education.
*Walls, R.M., Hockberger, R.S., Gauche-Hill, M. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine:
Concept and Clinical Practice. Philadelphia: Elsevier, Inc.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended
to be used as a substitute for professional
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If
you or someone you know have any of the
symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable
to seek professional help.
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