Stroke And Military Service: Medical Discharge?

can you get med boarded for stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical attention and often results in long-term treatment. The type of treatment received depends on the type of stroke, the time elapsed since the onset of symptoms, and the patient's medical history. Treatments include medication to address blood clots, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol, as well as surgery to remove blood clots or plaque buildup in the carotid artery. In the case of military personnel, a stroke can lead to medical boarding and disability, as seen in the shared experience of a veteran who suffered a stroke during their service.

Characteristics Values
Can you get med-boarded for a stroke? Yes, a stroke can lead to medical discharge from the military.
Time taken for processing The process can take anywhere from two months to a year.
Impact on career It may result in medical retirement and the end of one's military career.
VA rating for TIAs The VA does not appear to "rate" TIAs in the same way as other conditions.
Medical history review A thorough review of one's medical history is conducted, which can impact the outcome.

medshun

Military personnel may be medically boarded after a stroke

In the context of the military, a medical board, or med board, is a process to evaluate a service member's fitness for duty and determine if they can continue serving in the military. If a service member has a stroke, they may be referred to a med board to assess their condition and determine if they can safely continue their military service.

The med board process typically involves a thorough medical evaluation, including neurological examinations and imaging scans, to understand the extent of the stroke's impact on the individual's health. This evaluation will consider the severity of the stroke, any lasting physical or cognitive impairments, and the individual's ability to perform their military duties.

During and after their recovery, service members who have had a stroke may experience a range of physical and cognitive challenges. These can include paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss, and mental health issues such as depression. The presence and severity of these issues will be key factors in the med board's decision-making process.

It is important to note that the outcome of a med board is not solely based on medical factors. The military also considers the operational requirements and needs of the service when determining fitness for duty. Therefore, even if a service member has recovered well from a stroke, there may be concerns about their ability to deploy or perform specific duties, which could impact the med board's decision.

medshun

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) medication for strokes

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a medication that doctors administer following a stroke caused by a blood clot. It is a thrombolytic drug, which means it can break up blood clots. tPA is a protein that occurs naturally in the body and can be found on endothelial cells, which line blood vessels. It is given through a vein to help break up a blood clot so that blood flow can return to normal.

TPA activates the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, an enzyme responsible for breaking down clots. This helps restore blood flow that would otherwise be impeded. It is a powerful medication, and when administered quickly after a stroke, within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms, it can save lives. tPA restores blood flow by dissolving blood clots in a blood vessel, limiting the damage from a stroke and protecting against quality of life impacts, such as mobility loss or speech difficulties.

The generic name for tPA is alteplase, and the brand name is Activase. It is the first treatment for acute ischemic stroke to receive FDA approval. Before administering the medication, the doctor will rule out intracranial hemorrhage as the cause of the stroke. The doctor will also review the patient's medical history and order a brain CT scan, as there are several medical conditions that make it too dangerous to receive tPA.

Side effects of tPA treatment include bleeding, bruising, pulmonary edema, arterial embolism, deep vein thrombosis, orolingual angioedema, intracranial hemorrhage, shock, hypersensitivity, nausea, vomiting, seizures, ischemic stroke, thromboembolism, and sepsis. These side effects occur in 1-10% of people who receive tPA treatment.

The timely administration of tPA can be life-saving for those who have experienced an ischemic stroke. It is a powerful medication that can effectively break up blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of damage and functional impairment.

Stroke and Alzheimer's: What's the Link?

You may want to see also

medshun

Thrombectomy surgery to remove blood clots

A thrombectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot from an artery or vein. Blood clots, or thrombi, can block blood flow to vital organs and tissues, which can be limb or life-threatening. Thrombectomies are often emergency procedures, performed to restore blood flow when other treatments, such as blood-thinning medications, have been unsuccessful.

There are two main types of thrombectomy: surgical (open) thrombectomy and percutaneous (minimally invasive) thrombectomy. During a surgical thrombectomy, an incision is made in the skin, and the blood vessel is opened to allow the surgeon to remove the clot. The vessel is then repaired, and the incision is closed.

A percutaneous thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon uses imaging guidance to locate the clot and insert a catheter into the blood vessel. A small net-like device called a stent retriever is then pushed through the catheter and into the clot. The clot is then removed by either breaking it up into smaller pieces or by suctioning it out.

Thrombectomies are commonly used to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT), acute upper or lower extremity arterial limb ischemia, acute mesenteric ischemia, renal artery occlusion, and heart attacks. The procedure can also be used to treat blood clots in the brain, which can result in an ischemic stroke. When performed within 24 hours of a stroke, thrombectomies can significantly lower the risk of disability.

While thrombectomies can be life-saving, there are some risks associated with the procedure, including bleeding, damage to blood vessels, severe bruising, and pulmonary embolism (when the clot moves to the lungs). There is also a risk of the blood clot forming again, as well as possible reactions to anesthesia.

Heat Stroke: Rash or Reality?

You may want to see also

medshun

Memory loss and other long-term effects of strokes

Memory loss is a common long-term effect of strokes, with about one-third of stroke survivors experiencing short-term memory problems. This can include difficulty with verbal memory (names, stories, and language) and visual memory (faces, shapes, routes, and other visual information).

Memory loss after a stroke can manifest in the following ways:

  • Confusion or problems with short-term memory
  • Wandering or getting lost in familiar places
  • Difficulty following instructions or performing simple tasks
  • Forgetting current or past events
  • Getting lost on familiar routes
  • Problems with language, such as finding the right word or using the wrong word
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Difficulty reading and writing
  • Loss of interest in things or people
  • Changes in personality, behaviour, and mood, such as depression, agitation, and anger
  • Hallucinations or delusions
  • Poor judgment and loss of ability to perceive danger

Memory loss after a stroke can be managed and improved over time, either spontaneously or through rehabilitation. Brain retraining techniques, new hobbies, and physical exercise can help stimulate the brain and improve memory and cognitive abilities. Additionally, certain lifestyle changes, such as controlling blood pressure, limiting salt intake, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help prevent memory loss associated with silent strokes.

medshun

Blood-thinning medication to prevent strokes

Blood-thinning medication, also known as anticoagulants, is a common way to prevent strokes. They work by reducing the ability of the blood to clot, thereby lowering the risk of clots forming in the blood, travelling to the brain, and causing a stroke.

There are several types of blood-thinning medication, including warfarin (Coumadin), which has been prescribed since the 1950s. Warfarin works by blocking vitamin K, which is used by the body to clot blood. However, warfarin has some drawbacks, such as the need for regular dose adjustments and dietary restrictions. Certain foods, like leafy green vegetables, contain high amounts of vitamin K, which can counteract the effects of warfarin. Additionally, physical activity levels can impact how the body metabolises warfarin, requiring close monitoring of blood levels.

In recent years, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four new oral anticoagulants (NOACs): dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), edoxaban (Savaysa), and apixaban (Eliquis). These newer blood thinners offer several advantages over warfarin. They do not require the same level of monitoring, dietary restrictions, or dose adjustments, and they are at least as effective in reducing the risk of stroke. Additionally, they are less likely to cause bleeding in the brain. However, NOACs cannot be used in individuals with kidney disease or defective heart valves, and they are more expensive than warfarin.

While blood thinners are effective in preventing strokes, they do come with a risk of bleeding. This is because they not only prevent harmful blood clots but also stop helpful clots from forming. As a result, individuals taking blood thinners may experience increased bruising, nosebleeds, or cuts that take longer to stop bleeding. In rare cases, more serious bleeding can occur, such as in the stomach or bowels, which may be life-threatening. It's important for patients to understand the benefits and risks of taking blood thinners and to work with their healthcare team to choose the most appropriate medication.

Frequently asked questions

"Med board" is short for Medical Board, which is a group of medical professionals who determine whether or not someone is fit to serve in the military.

Yes, it is possible to be medically discharged from the military due to a stroke. The decision will depend on the severity of the stroke, the time since symptoms started, and any other medical conditions present.

If a med board determines that a service member is unfit for duty, they may be medically retired or separated from the military. The individual may also be entitled to certain benefits, such as disability compensation or medical care through the Veterans Affairs (VA) system.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment