See also:

• Carotid artery disease
• Carotid artery surgery

Nutrients and fluids may be necessary, especially if the person has swallowing difficulties. These may be given through a vein (intravenously) or a feeding tube in the stomach (gastrostomy tube). Swallowing difficulties may be temporary or permanent.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and swallowing therapy will all begin in the hospital.

LONG-TERM TREATMENT

The goal of treatment after a stroke is to help the patient recover as much function as possible and prevent future strokes.

The recovery time and need for long-term treatment differs from person to person. Problems moving, thinking, and talking often improve in the weeks to months after a stroke. A number of people who have had a stroke will still continue to improve in the months or years after the stroke.

See: Stroke recovery for information about:

• Bladder and bowel problems
• Living at home rather than a nursing facility
• Muscle and nerve problems
• Speech problems
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Swallowing and eating problems
• Thinking and memory problems

Additional support and resources are available from the American Stroke Association -- www.strokeassociation.org.

Images

Right cerebral hemisphere - function

Brainstem function

Circle of Willis

Endarterectomy

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery

Plaque buildup in arteries

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery

Brain

Stroke

Left cerebral hemisphere - function

Stroke

Stroke - secondary to cardiogenic embolism

Hypertension - overview

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Stroke Symptoms

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Stroke Prevention

Review Date: 06/15/2010
Reviewed By: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)