Strokes Treatment Singapore: What Experts Recommend for Optimal Recovery

By Smith - On Jan 21, 2025

Let’s face it; a stroke can turn your life upside down. Here’s where timely intervention and the right treatments come in. If administered as needed, chances are you will make a full recovery.

Read more: https://chouneurosurgery.com/condition/strokes/. Singapore has one of the best healthcare systems globally.

So, you can trust them for effective treatments against conditions like stroke, etc. To be best placed to manage your condition though, it does help to be knowledgeable on what experts actually recommend for strokes and what the recovery process is typically like.

So, we created this article to discuss what stroke treatment in Singapore involves and what you can do to improve you or your loved one’s chances of regaining independence after stroke. Keep reading!

What is the Main Treatment for Stroke?

If you or a loved one has suffered stroke or is at a great risk of suffering a stroke, you may persistently wonder; what is the main treatment for stroke? Now, the main treatment for a stroke depends on its type.

There are two primary types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots blocking blood flow to the brain, are the most common type. The treatment for ischemic stroke typically involves a medication called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which helps dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow.

For an ischemic stroke, tPA is administered intravenously (IV) within a narrow window of time. This medication is a clot-busting drug that works by breaking up the clot causing the stroke to allow blood to flow back to the affected part of the brain.

However, tPA must be given within three hours of the first signs of stroke symptoms to be effective. If administered too late, it may cause serious side effects, including bleeding, and will not be as beneficial.

tPA is administered in a hospital setting, usually in an emergency room or stroke unit. A provider will inject the drug through a vein in your arm. This procedure needs to be carefully managed by a medical team who will monitor the patient for any potential complications.

Many people often ask; why is time critical for tPA administration? The three-hour window is extremely important because brain cells begin to die when deprived of oxygen due to blocked blood flow. The quicker the treatment, the more brain tissue can be saved.

A stroke can result in permanent brain damage, so quick action is vital. Essentially, that’s why it’s crucial to recognize the signs of a stroke and get medical help immediately.

What Other Treatment Options Are Available for Stroke in Singapore?

While tPA is a cornerstone of ischemic stroke treatment, it isn’t the only option. There are several other options and therapies that experts recommend depending on the type of stroke and the patient’s condition.

These treatments aim to prevent further damage, manage symptoms, and aid recovery. For example, in addition to tPA, patients with large clots in major blood vessels may undergo a mechanical thrombectomy.

This procedure physically removes the clot using a device inserted through a catheter. It’s particularly useful for patients who don’t respond to tPA or when tPA is not suitable.

Mechanical thrombectomy is typically performed within six to 24 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. It is an effective option for treating large ischemic strokes. This procedure is done in a specialized stroke unit, often in a hospital with advanced technology.

For hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding in the brain, the treatment approach differs. Surgery may be necessary to remove blood clots or repair blood vessel damage.

Medications to control blood pressure and prevent seizures are commonly used, as well as other interventions to manage the underlying cause of the bleeding. Hemorrhagic strokes require urgent care and monitoring due to their potential to worsen quickly.

Once the immediate threat of the stroke has passed, stroke patients typically continue treatment with medications to prevent future strokes. These may include antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin) to prevent blood clots and anticoagulants to reduce the risk of clotting. Patients will also receive care to manage other stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, to reduce the risk of another stroke.

What Are the Key Recommendations for Stroke Recovery?

After the acute phase of a stroke, the recovery process is the natural next step. Stroke recovery typically brings in medical experts from different departments including neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists.

Simply, the goal is to help patients regain as much function as possible and to improve quality of life. Here is what typically happens with many cases of strokes treatment in Singapore;

Early Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation typically begins as soon as the patient is stable. The earlier a patient begins rehabilitation, the better their chances of a full recovery. Early rehab typically includes physiotherapy to improve mobility, occupational therapy to help with daily tasks, and speech therapy if the stroke affected speech or swallowing.
Physical Therapy for Motor Function: Many stroke patients experience weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. Here’s where physical therapy comes in. It focuses on improving strength, coordination, and balance. Patients work on exercises that help rebuild motor skills, such as standing, walking, and using their arms or legs. Over time, these exercises help the brain reorganize and form new neural connections, facilitating recovery.
Occupational Therapy for Daily Activities: Occupational therapy helps stroke patients regain the ability to perform everyday tasks, like dressing, cooking, or driving. The goal is to help individuals live independently and adapt their environment to their new needs. In some cases, special devices or home modifications may be recommended to improve safety and ease of living.
Speech and Swallowing Therapy: Strokes can affect a person’s ability to speak or swallow. As you would expect, this can make eating, drinking, and communication challenging. Speech therapy focuses on rebuilding communication skills, while swallowing therapy helps patients learn safe ways to eat and drink to reduce the risk of choking or aspiration.
Psychological Support: Stroke recovery is not just physical. Many stroke survivors also do struggle with emotional challenges, including depression, anxiety, and a loss of confidence. Psychological support, including counseling and therapy, is an important part of recovery to help patients adjust to their new life.

In Closing

Stroke treatment in Singapore is highly advanced. So, you can trust that you or your loved one will be in good hands if you’re considering strokes treatment in Singapore.

If you or someone you know has suffered a stroke, please seek prompt treatment. Speak to a specialist about the treatment options available to you and start the recovery process as soon as possible. If you’re in Singapore, get in touch with a specialist doctor right now at;

CHOU Neurosurgery Clinic (Farrer Park) – Brain & Spine Specialist Singapore

1 Farrer Park Station Rd, #08-06,

Singapore 217562

https://chouneurosurgery.com/

+65 6694 7942