A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts. The resulting blockage prevents blood and oxygen from being provided to that part of the brain, where the tissue subsequently begins to die. The part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain can't work properly.
If blood clotting has been the cause of insufficient blood supply, then clots can be removed by some clot busting medicines such as the tissue plasminogen activator. Recovery from mild stroke is possible also through surgeries such as the carotid endarterectomy surgery which removes the fatty acids responsible for formations of blood clots.
Mild stroke further might lead the person to a major stroke, that definitely results in permanent damage to any body part and in some cases, death. So consider mild stroke as a fortunate warning in order to prevent any full fledged stroke in the future. But remember to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis and treatmentAnyone with a stroke should be admitted to hospital, and no mucking about either, because the earlier they get there, the more effective treatment will be. A stroke patient will fairly quickly undergo a brain scan. This will tell the doctors what type of stroke it is, where it is, and how big it is.
If the stroke is caused by a blood clot, intravenous anticoagulants (anti-clotting drugs) such as heparin may prevent further damage from further clots. But if the stroke is caused by a bleed, anticoagulants will make the stroke worse, so the doctor has to be careful about using them.
If it's caused by a haemorrhage and the person has high blood pressure (hypertension), intravenous antihypertensives may reduce the blood pressure and slow the progress of the bleed into the brain.
Surgery may be performed in some cases. In the early stages of the stroke, this may mean surgical removal of blood or blood clots from the brain cavity, or repair of a bleeding artery.
If the stroke is caused by plaque in the carotid arteries in the neck, the plaque may be surgically removed once the person's condition has improved. This is called a carotid endarterectomy.
While all this is happening, the goal of the hospital and medical staff is to keep the person alive. This may require a life support system, taking fluid through intravenous drips, food through a nasogastric tube, and passing urine through a catheter. The patient needs good-quality nursing care to prevent stiff joints, bedsores, and urinary tract infections.
Someone who's had a stroke doesn't have an easy time of it. Suddenly they've lost something they took for granted – their ability to function independently. They may be weak or paralyzed; they may have difficulty talking, understanding speech, and swallowing. They may have bowel and bladder incontinence and they may need a permanent urinary catheter. Depression is common.
So they must have good access to social support systems like home nursing, respite care (it's hard on family and friends too) and medical care. They may also need modification to their home environment to ease mobility, and some will need nursing home care.
Most recoveries take place in the first month, and those with the least impairment tend to do best. The patients who are highly motivated with the support of family and friends around tend to recovery quicker.
Successful recovery depends on how mild the injury to the brain tissue is, how soon after the stroke rehabilitation starts, how motivated the person is and the love, care and skills of the rehabilitation team.