There is no medical treatment that will repair the damage that has happened to the brain as a result of the stroke. The best form of treatment after a stroke is rehabilitation on a stroke unit where patients get early and active treatment for the changes after stroke.

Other treatments might be used to lower your chances of having another stroke. Some people might be suitable for treatments that dissolve the clot that is blocking the artery and let blood back to the brain. However, this type of treatment is not suitable for everyone.

Thrombolysis

Thrombolysis (otherwise known as tPA) is a new treatment for stroke in Australia. Some strokes are caused by a blood clot blocking a brain artery. tPA is a clot busting drug that breaks down the clot and can let blood flow return to the brain.

Although it improves a person’s recovery after stroke, it can also cause bleeding in the brain and is not suitable for everyone.

Thrombolysis can only be given to stroke patients with certain types of stroke. The stroke patient must have a Computer Tomography (CT) to make sure they are suitable before the drug is given.

Thrombolysis must be given within 4.5 hours of the stroke starting. If the person is not sure when the stroke started they should not have tPA.

For many reasons such as those above tPA is only suitable for a small proportion of stroke patients.  Thrombolysis is not given in all hospitals and should be given by a doctor who is experienced with the medication in a hospital with a stroke unit or an intensive care unit.

Alternative Treatments

Non-proven alternative treatments for stroke may include acupuncture, diet, herbal medicine, massage, homeopathy, meditation and supplements.

In Eastern countries such as China, acupuncture and Chinese herbs are often used for treatment of stroke patients.  However, there is little evidence to show that they improve recovery after stroke. 

The use of alternative therapy is a matter of personal preference and individual judgment however some alternative therapies may interfere with your treatment or the medication you are taking. You should always discuss alternative treatments with your doctor.