Stroke from Cardiogenic Embolism

Alternate Names : Brain Attack

What are the treatments for the condition?

Most people with strokes are treated right away with only aspirin if they do not have bleeding into the brain. This only serves to help prevent further strokes. In cases when a stroke is caught in the first few hours, a clot-busting medication may be used to reverse a stroke. This is why early recognition of a stroke can be important.

If someone has the early warning signs of stroke, the emergency medical system should be contacted immediately. These signs include a sudden onset of:

Supportive therapy may also be needed with some strokes. This may include an artificial breathing machine, or ventilator, and an artificial feeding tube if the person cannot swallow.

Rehabilitation services can help to improve a person's function after a stroke. Physical therapy and other therapy, such as speech therapy or occupational therapy, may be used to maximize recovery.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. For instance, aspirin may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, or bleeding. Clot-busting medications can cause excessive bleeding. A ventilator may sometimes cause damage to the lungs or an infection.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After the person is stable, treatment of the risk factors for stroke, as well as the cause of the stroke, is important to prevent further strokes. For instance, stopping smoking and controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are advised for most people. Treatment for atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure will be given as needed.

Many people need assistance of one form or another after a stroke. This may range from using a walking cane to needing 24-hour-a-day skilled nursing care. Ongoing therapy to improve function is usually advised for at least 6 months if the person is able.

How is the condition monitored?

After having a stroke due to cardiogenic embolism, a person may need a repeat echocardiogram with routine follow-up visits to the healthcare provider's office to check for new clots in the heart.

If an individual takes blood thinners, blood tests are normally done to assure the correct dose. These tests let a healthcare provider know if the person's blood is too "thin" or too "thick," which may require a dosage adjustment. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.