How is a Stroke Diagnosed and How is It Treated?

A stroke is diagnoses by doing a neurological and physical exam. A CT scan and a MRI can pinpoint the stroke and the part of the brain that has been affected. Treatment is usually a hospital stay and drug therapy, and even possible surgery.

The drugs used in the drug therapy either stop the blood clots from either forming new clots or from the old clots getting bigger. Surgery is used to remove the deposits from clogged arteries that reduce the oxygen and the blood flow to the brain and also increases the risk of clot formation.

Rehabilitation is used to improve the physical ability that was loss due to the stroke. Although the success rate of the rehabilitation depends on the extent of the damage caused by the stroke and how quick the medication was given to respond to the stroke. It also depends on friends and family support as well as how good the rehabilitation team is the patient’s attitude and cooperation.

Getting the most out of the rehabilitation therapy requires determination, patience, hard work and a positive attitude. The patient must never give up regardless how intent the damage may be.