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Stroke secondary to atherosclerosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Treatment:

Go to the emergency room as quickly as possible if you believe you have had or may be having a stroke. Stroke is an acute , serious condition that should be treated immediately. The most important factor in effective treatment for stroke is arriving at the hospital as early as possible from the onset of symptoms.

The most effective treatment for stroke is intravenous rtPA. This medicine works to dissolve the clot causing the stroke. If received within 3 hours of the first stroke symptoms, the drug can help prevent permanent problems. There is risk of serious bleeding with this treatment so it cannot be used in all cases. 

Patients who can't be treated with clot-busting drugs will receive supportive treatments such as medicines to control blood pressure and high cholesterol, fluids, and medicines to prevent complications such as infections.

Patients may also need physical therapy following stroke. Diet changes may be recommended.

A carotid endarterectomy (removal of plaque from the carotid arteries) may be needed by some people to prevent new strokes.

Expectations (prognosis):

Twenty-five percent of people who have a stroke recover most or all of their function.

However, stroke and its complications can cause death.

Complications:

• Pressure sores
• Permanent loss of movement or sensation of a part of the body
• Orthopedic complications, fractures , contractures , muscle spasticity
• Permanent loss of cognitive functions
• Disruption of communication, decreased social interaction
• Decreased ability to function or care for self
• Decreased life span
• Multi-infarct dementia
• Side effects of medications

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms occur indicating a stroke.

References:

Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation . 2007; Published online before print February 19, 2007.

• Review Date: 2/20/2007
• Reviewed By: Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (April 2006)

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