Reversing Stroke Symptoms: Is It Possible?

Stroke symptoms can sometimes be reversed, but it depends on the type of stroke and how quickly treatment is administered. Strokes occur when there is a blockage of blood flow to the brain, which can be caused by a blockage or bleeding in the brain. The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow in the brain and can be treated with clot-busting medication or surgery. Hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding in the brain, are treated by controlling the bleeding and reducing blood pressure. In both cases, the sooner treatment is administered, the more likely it is to be effective, with some treatments needing to be given within three to four and a half hours of the onset of symptoms.

Recognising the symptoms of a stroke

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Face drooping.
• Arm weakness.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
• Slurred or strange speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
• A severe headache with no known cause.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Fatigue.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you—call for an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin treatment as soon as possible.

It is important to note that strokes can occur at any age and affect people of all genders. Additionally, women may experience unique symptoms, such as disorientation and confusion or memory problems, which can sometimes lead to delays in receiving timely treatment.

What to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly as every minute counts when it comes to stroke treatment. Here are the steps you should take:

• Use the FAST method: This stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Ask the person to smile and note if one side of their face droops. Ask them to raise their arms and observe if one arm drifts downward. Pay attention to their speech; it may sound slurred or unusual.
• Call 911 immediately: If you observe any of the signs above, don't wait. Call for emergency medical help right away. Inform the paramedics about the time you first noticed the possible stroke symptoms, as this will help them determine the best course of treatment.
• Do NOT drive to the hospital: It is important to wait for the ambulance and get immediate assistance from a paramedic. Do not try to drive yourself or the person experiencing stroke symptoms to the hospital.
• Avoid food, drink, and medication: Do not give the person any food or liquids, and do not administer any medication. Medication can become a choking hazard and may increase the risk of bleeding, depending on the type.
• Get to a certified stroke care hospital: It is crucial to get to a hospital, preferably one certified in stroke care, as quickly as possible. Not all hospitals offer the same level of stroke care, so coordination with another facility may be necessary.
• Know your local stroke care options: Familiarize yourself with the different levels of stroke care certification: Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, Primary Stroke Center, Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, and Comprehensive Stroke Center. This will help you make informed decisions about where to seek treatment.

Remember, the sooner a stroke is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome will be. Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke, as brain cells die rapidly without necessary blood flow.

How to get immediate treatment for a stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Here are some steps to get immediate treatment:

Recognise the Signs and Call Emergency Services

Firstly, it is important to be able to recognise the signs of a stroke. Remember the acronym BE FAST:

• Balance: Watch out for a sudden loss of balance.
• Eyes: Look out for sudden loss of vision or double vision in one or both eyes.
• Face: Ask the person to smile and observe if there is a droop on one or both sides of their face, indicating muscle weakness or paralysis.
• Arms: Ask them to raise their arms. If they have one-sided weakness, one arm will stay up while the other will sag.
• Speech: Strokes often cause a person to lose their ability to speak, slur their speech, or have trouble choosing the right words.
• Time: Time is critical. If you observe any of these symptoms, don't wait and immediately call the emergency services.

Provide Information to the Healthcare Provider

When you call the emergency services, provide as much information as possible about the symptoms and when they started. This will help the healthcare provider determine the best treatment options.

Administer Alteplase IV r-tPA (tissue plasminogen activator)

Alteplase IV r-tPA is the only FDA-approved drug treatment for ischemic strokes, which make up about 87% of all strokes. This drug must be administered within a three-hour window from the onset of symptoms, and can improve the chances of recovery. It works by dissolving the clot and improving blood flow.

Endovascular Procedures

In some cases, an endovascular procedure may be performed to remove the clot. This involves sending a catheter to the site of the blocked blood vessel in the brain and administering tPA directly into the clot to dissolve it.

Stroke Rehabilitation

After the immediate treatment, stroke rehabilitation is crucial. This includes physical therapy to help regain the use of arms and legs, speech therapy to improve speech abilities, and occupational therapy to relearn basic skills and regain independent function.

The types of stroke and their treatments

Strokes are classified into two main categories: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes are caused by a blocked artery or vein, while hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding.

Ischemic Strokes

Ischemic strokes constitute an estimated 87% of all stroke cases. They occur when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, causing brain cells and tissues to begin to die within minutes from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Thrombotic strokes, caused by a blood clot that develops in the blood vessels inside the brain, are the most common type of ischemic stroke. Embolic strokes, on the other hand, are caused by a blood clot or plaque debris that develops elsewhere in the body and then travels to one of the blood vessels in the brain through the bloodstream. Thrombotic strokes are usually seen in older persons with high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, or diabetes. Embolic strokes often result from heart disease or heart surgery and occur rapidly without any warning signs.

Hemorrhagic Strokes

Hemorrhagic strokes, making up about 13% of all strokes, are caused by a ruptured blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. This results in bleeding into the brain, leading to a loss of oxygen and nutrients for brain cells and tissues. Additionally, the pressure build-up in the surrounding tissues can cause irritation and swelling, further damaging the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes are classified into two main types: intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding from the blood vessels within the brain and is typically caused by high blood pressure. Subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when bleeding happens between the brain and the membrane covering it, known as the meninges, in the subarachnoid space. This type of hemorrhage is often the result of an aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are considered warning strokes caused by temporary clots. They are treated as neurological emergencies, as they may precede a more severe stroke. Symptoms of a TIA include difficulty speaking or understanding others, loss or blurring of vision, and weakness or numbness in an arm or leg. These symptoms typically last for less than 10 to 20 minutes but should always be taken seriously, with immediate medical attention sought.

Preventing strokes

While it is not possible to reverse the effects of a stroke, there are several ways to prevent one from happening in the first place. Here are some detailed tips for preventing strokes:

Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the biggest contributor to stroke risk in both men and women. It is also often symptomless, so it is important to get your blood pressure checked regularly by a doctor or nurse. If your blood pressure is elevated, work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. You can also make some lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure, such as reducing your salt intake to no more than 1,500 milligrams (about half a teaspoon) per day, and getting regular exercise.

Control Blood Sugar

Having high blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, making clots more likely to form inside them. Monitor your blood sugar as directed by your doctor, and use diet, exercise, and medication to keep it within the recommended range.

Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol can increase your risk of stroke. Get your cholesterol checked at least every 4 to 6 years, or more often if your doctor recommends it. If your cholesterol is high, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to lower it, such as diet and medication.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke, as it thickens the blood and increases plaque buildup in the arteries. Ask your doctor for advice on quitting, and consider using quit-smoking aids such as nicotine pills or patches.

Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of high blood pressure and trigger an irregular heartbeat, both of which can lead to a stroke. If you choose to drink, limit your intake to no more than one drink per day for women, and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Treat Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can cause clots to form in the heart, which can then travel to the brain and cause a stroke. If you have atrial fibrillation, see your doctor for an exam and discuss treatment options, which may include taking a blood thinner.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity increases your odds of having a stroke, as well as contributing to other risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Work with your doctor to develop a weight loss strategy, and aim for a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or less.

Get Regular Exercise

Exercise can help lower your risk of stroke by improving your vascular health, lowering cholesterol, and reducing blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, five days a week.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can help lower your risk of stroke by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Aim to eat a low-fat, high-fibre diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables (at least 5 servings per day), whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Limit your salt intake to no more than 6 grams (about 1 teaspoon) per day, and avoid processed foods.

Frequently asked questions