Stroke treatments include medicines, surgery, and rehabilitation, depending on the type and stage of stroke:
- Acute treatment: To stop a stroke while it is happening.
- For ischemic stroke: Medicines like tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) to dissolve the clot (must be given within 4 hours of symptom onset) or blood thinners to prevent clots from getting bigger.
- For hemorrhagic stroke: Stopping the bleeding by treating high blood pressure, performing aneurysm clipping or coil embolization, or repairing arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
- Rehabilitation: To help regain skills lost due to stroke damage and improve quality of life.
- Prevention: To prevent a first stroke or another stroke through lifestyle changes and medicines.