Cerebrovascular disease, or what is called Stroke, is a medical emergency that can arise with anyone, particularly those who are older or who have various risk factors. Understanding the stages of a stroke and knowing the warning signals are important things that can save life, both your own and that of those you love, because treating cerebrovascular disease quickly and suitably in each stage will have a significant effect on the recovery of the patient.
Getting to know cerebrovascular disease (Stroke), the silent danger close at hand
Cerebrovascular disease is a state arising from the blood nourishing the brain being insufficient, so that the brain tissue lacks oxygen and nutrients until the death of the brain cells occurs. Its main causes are narrowing or blockage of a blood vessel in the brain (Ischemic Stroke), about 80-85 percent, and rupture of a blood vessel in the brain (Hemorrhagic Stroke), about 15-20 percent.
The warning signals of a stroke that must be known
Before understanding the matter of the stages of a stroke, knowing the warning signals is a thing no less important, because observing and responding quickly will help reduce the serious effects. The important warning signals are a symptom of confusion, unclear speech or being unable to speak, a crooked face, weakness of the arm and leg on one side or the other, blurred vision or suddenly being unable to see, a sudden severe headache, and unsteady walking.
The division of the stages of cerebrovascular disease (Stroke)
When a stroke is spoken of, doctors and specialists divide it into 3 main stages, each stage of the stroke having its own particular character and a different approach to treatment. Understanding this matter will help the patient and the family be able to prepare and plan the care suitably.
The acute phase: the most important period, within the first 4.5 hours
The first stage of a stroke is the acute phase, which is the most important period in treatment. In general it is counted from the start of the symptoms until the first 24-72 hours. This period is called the "Golden Hour" or "Time is Brain", because treating quickly will help reduce the death of the brain cells.
In this stage the patient may have severe symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, paralysis, being unable to speak, or other symptoms of the nervous system. The treatment is directed at returning the circulation of blood to the brain, controlling the blood pressure, and preventing complications.
The subacute phase: the period of 1-6 months after the symptoms arise
After passing through the acute phase, the patient will enter the rehabilitation phase, which is the period in which the brain tries to adapt and create new nerve pathways in order to replace the part that has been damaged. This stage is the golden period for restoring the various functions of the body.
In this rehabilitation phase, the patient will receive therapy of several forms, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy (the therapy of speech), and training in various skills, so as to be able to return to carrying on daily life as much as possible. The progress in this stage is usually seen most clearly.
The chronic phase: the period from 6 months onwards, and continuous care
The last stage of a stroke is the chronic phase, which begins from 6 months after the symptoms arise onwards. In this stage the recovery will be slower but the possibility still remains. The patient will have to adapt to the impairment that may remain and learn the way of living life as well as possible.
Care in the chronic phase will emphasise continuous treatment, preventing a stroke from arising again, and managing the complications that may arise. The patient must still receive rehabilitation of function regularly in order to preserve the level of ability they have.
The approach to diagnosing and treating a stroke in each stage
Effective stroke treatment requires quick and precise diagnosis, together with an approach to treatment suited to each stage of the stroke. Understanding this matter will help the patient and the family have more confidence in facing this disease.
Diagnosis with medical technology
Diagnosing a stroke at present uses modern medical technology, such as computerised tomography (CT Scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to look at the condition of the brain and the blood vessels. These examinations will help the doctor identify the kind of stroke and the size and position of the injury.
Besides this there are also blood tests, examination of the heart, and assessment of the various functions of the body, in order to plan suitable treatment and assess the other risk factors that may have a bearing on the recovery.
Treatment in the acute phase: giving clot-dissolving medicine and other methods
In the acute phase of a stroke, the treatment will emphasise returning the circulation of blood to the brain as quickly as possible. For a stroke of the narrowed-and-blocked-vessel kind, clot-dissolving medicine (tPA) may be used within the first 4.5 hours, or the clot may be drawn out with a special instrument.
At the same time, the doctor must control the blood pressure, the level of sugar in the blood, the temperature of the body, and the breathing, in order to prevent further injury of the brain. Care in this stage must be carried out in an intensive care unit or a stroke ward in particular.
Rehabilitation after the symptoms arise, with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech training
Rehabilitating function after a stroke is a process requiring time and effort. Physiotherapy will help restore the movement of the arms and legs, keeping balance, and walking. Occupational therapy will help train the doing of daily activities, such as dressing, eating, and bathing.
Therapy of speech and swallowing is important for patients who have a problem in the area of communication. The multidisciplinary team will cooperate in designing a programme of rehabilitation suited to the needs of each patient, so as to obtain the best outcome.
For stroke patients who want effective rehabilitation, PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic is a good choice for complete care, with a team of specialist physicians in the field of rehabilitation medicine who have experience, complete with personnel who have specialist expertise, who can help restore the working of the nervous system and the muscles effectively.
Prevention in order to reduce the risk of a stroke arising
Preventing a stroke is a thing no less important than treating it, because the risk can be reduced significantly. Caring for health in every dimension and controlling the various risk factors will help prevent a first stroke from arising and prevent its recurrence.
The risk factors that can be controlled are high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood lipids, smoking, drinking a great deal of alcohol, obesity, and lack of exercise. Changing one's lifestyle and taking medicine as the doctor prescribes regularly are the important keys to prevention.
Frequently asked questions about the stages of a stroke
After learning about how many stages a stroke has, and the treatment in each period, there are usually questions that patients and families want to know about.
Can a stroke heal completely?
Recovery from a stroke depends on the size and position of the injury, the age of the patient, and the treatment received. Some patients recover almost completely, while some may have permanent impairment. With continuous rehabilitation and support from the family, most patients can have a good quality of life.
How long does rehabilitation after a stroke take?
Rehabilitation from a stroke differs in each individual. In general the recovery is quickest in the first 3-6 months, but the improvement may continue for several years. The brain has the ability to adapt and create new pathways at all times. Training and therapy regularly will help continuous improvement occur.
How can the family and the carers help a stroke patient?
The role of the family is very important in rehabilitating a stroke patient. Giving encouragement, giving support of the mind, and helping in daily activities have a good effect on the recovery. The family should work together with the medical team in planning the care and watching out for the warning signals of a stroke arising again.
In summary
Understanding how many stages a stroke has, and the character of each stage of the stroke, is important information that helps us be better prepared to deal with this disease, from knowing the warning signals and seeking medical help quickly through to rehabilitation and prevention in the long term.
Success in dealing with a stroke does not depend on the doctor alone, but requires cooperation from the patient, the family, and the multidisciplinary team. For stroke patients who want rehabilitation with quality, PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic is ready to give care with a team of physicians specialising in the field of rehabilitation medicine and with modern treatment technology, to help the patient be able to return to a good and meaningful quality of life.