Stroke Stabilisation
A stroke destroys brain tissue every minute it goes untreated. The treatments that can reverse it work only within a few hours of the first symptom, which makes this the emergency where arriving quickly matters most. Assessment and CT happen immediately, ahead of registration.
- CT scan within minutes
- Assessment before registration
- Time of onset is the critical fact
- Intensive care and monitoring on site
Stay
Several days
Duration
CT within minutes of arrival
Anaesthesia
Not usually required
About Stroke Stabilisation
Most strokes are caused by a blocked artery, a minority by bleeding, and the treatment for one would be catastrophic in the other. A CT scan separates them and is therefore the first step. Where the stroke is from a clot and the patient arrives in time, clot-dissolving treatment can be given. Where it is not appropriate, stabilisation, monitoring and early rehabilitation are what protect recovery.
- A CT scan comes first because the two types need opposite treatment
- The time the symptoms started decides what can be offered
- Swallowing is assessed early to prevent chest infection
- Rehabilitation begins within days, not after discharge
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about stroke stabilisation. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest stroke stabilisation.
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg
- Slurred speech or difficulty finding words
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden severe headache unlike any before
- Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Symptoms that came and went, which may be a warning stroke
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Immediate assessment
A rapid neurological examination and confirmation of exactly when symptoms began, which determines what treatment is possible.
Urgent CT
A CT scan is done immediately to distinguish a clot from a bleed. This decides everything that follows.
Treatment decision
Where the stroke is from a clot and you arrived in time, clot-dissolving treatment is considered and the risks explained.
Stabilisation and rehabilitation
Blood pressure, sugar, swallowing and hydration are managed closely, and physiotherapy begins within days.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Call 108 immediately, do not wait to see if it improves
- Note the exact time symptoms started, as this is the single most important fact
- Do not give food or drink, as swallowing may be affected
- Bring the medication list, especially blood thinners
- Do not give aspirin before a scan, as the stroke may be a bleed
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Recovery continues for months, with the fastest gains in the first weeks
- Physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy are arranged as needed
- Swallowing is assessed before normal food is restarted
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar and rhythm are treated to prevent another stroke
- Follow-up in neurology is arranged before discharge
Why choose Humayun for suspected stroke
Stroke treatment is measured in minutes, and almost all of that time is spent getting to a scanner.
- CT with immediate access, so the scan happens on arrival rather than after assessment
- Stroke recognised at triage and moved ahead of the queue
- Neurology called at the same time as the emergency team
- Physiotherapy and swallowing assessment starting within days rather than after discharge
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