Stroke Treatment and Recovery
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, potentially causing permanent disabilities. Quick action is critical — brain cells begin dying within minutes without blood flow. If you notice any symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately.
At RWJBarnabas Health, neurologists and neurosurgeons from our Medical Group, including faculty physicians from the Rutgers Health, provide world-class stroke care based on the latest research. Our network of Primary and Comprehensive Stroke Centers offers round-the-clock access to board-certified physicians who specialize in treating the most complex stroke cases.
Stroke & TIA Treatment Options
Ischemic Stroke Treatment
The goal of ischemic stroke treatment is to restore blood flow as quickly as possible to that area of the brain. The very early and time sensitive interventions may include:
- Thrombolytic therapy. This includes giving a clot-busting medication known as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thru the vein.
- Thrombectomy. This emergent advanced endovascular surgical intervention removes the blood clot from the large vessels in the brain to restore blood flow.
Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment
The goal of hemorrhagic stroke treatment is to control brain bleeding, and reduce pressure in the brain. Emergency care will likely include neurocritical care medical management, and may include surgical interventions. These interventions are dependent on the bleeding location and may include:
- Hemostatic therapy, which may include medications to manage high blood pressure, or medications to help with blood clotting so that the bleeding does not expand
- Minimally invasive surgical hematoma evacuation
- Surgical repair to an aneurysm (a weakened blood vessel wall)
- Surgical repair to remove abnormal vessels that make up an arteriovenous malformation
- Surgery to relieve increased pressure in the brain due to the bleeding
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Treatment
When a TIA is diagnosed, our focus is on preventing a future stroke through targeted interventions. Based on the underlying cause, we provide:
- Anticoagulant medications ("blood thinners") to prevent and reduce blood clots
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Advanced surgical procedures including:
- Carotid endarterectomy to remove arterial blockages
- Angioplasty to restore proper blood flow
Our cerebrovascular disease treatment approach is customized to each patient's specific condition and risk factors, ensuring the most effective prevention strategy.
Our Stroke Centers
Our stroke centers maintain the highest standards of care, validated by the New Jersey Department of Health designations and national certifications. Through our integrated network, we ensure patients receive the right level of care at the right time, combining sophisticated technology with expert specialists to deliver optimal outcomes at the best hospitals for stroke rehabilitation.
Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from a stroke varies by individual and depends on stroke severity, affected brain areas, and timing of treatment. Our comprehensive rehabilitation program includes:
- Physical rehabilitation. Helps stroke survivors regain mobility and independence through personalized care focused on strength training, balance improvement, coordination exercises, and gait training.
- Occupational therapy. Empowers stroke survivors to regain independence through specialized training in daily living skills, home safety, adaptive equipment use, work rehabilitation, and cognitive retraining.
- Speech and language therapy. Helps stroke survivors regain communication skills through personalized care designed to address speech, language, and swallowing challenges while also supporting cognitive-linguistic recovery and reading/writing abilities
- Mental health support. Assists stroke survivors through their recovery journey with specialized counseling for emotional adjustment, depression management, family support services, cognitive behavioral therapy, and access to support groups.
Recovery Timeline and Expectations
Every stroke survivor's path to recovery is unique and progresses through several distinct phases. The acute care phase occurs in the first few days after stroke, focusing on medical stabilization. This transitions into early rehabilitation during the first few weeks when initial therapy begins.
Intensive rehabilitation typically follows for several months, with patients participating in comprehensive therapy programs. The recovery journey can continue for years after a stroke, with many survivors continuing to make meaningful progress.
Several key factors contribute to successful recovery.
- Early intervention is crucial, allowing therapy to begin as soon as medically appropriate.
- Access to specialized stroke care is key to the most effective treatments.
- Consistent participation in recommended therapies, combined with strong family support, helps maintain steady progress.
- Careful prevention of secondary complications also plays a vital role in achieving optimal recovery outcomes.
Support Groups for Stroke Survivors and Their Families and Caregivers
RWJBarnabas Health offers stroke support groups for survivors, their families and their caregivers. Virtual and in-person support groups are offered by RWJBarnabas Health hospitals throughout the year.
Quarterly virtual support groups with featured speakers encourage discussion around specific topics such as nutrition, smoking cessation, speech and occupational therapy, and the effects of the holidays on stroke survivors’ mental health.
Biannual virtual support groups focus on caring for the caregiver. These sessions for family and caregivers of stroke survivors include featured speakers from the American Stroke Association who attend and help moderate the groups.
Visit our Events Calendar to browse our stroke support group offerings, and register for an online support group or find an in-person event near you.
Excellence in Treatment for Strokes
Effective treatment for strokes requires immediate action and expert care. The right treatment plan can minimize brain damage and enhance recovery potential. From emergency intervention to rehabilitation, comprehensive stroke care makes a crucial difference in outcomes.
At RWJBarnabas Health, our stroke teams offer the most advanced treatment options available. We provide access to groundbreaking therapies and clinical trials while our specialized rehabilitation programs help restore function and independence.
Don't delay treatment - it could save your life or prevent permanent disability. For stroke symptoms, always call 911 immediately.
For non-emergency appointments or to learn more about our stroke services, request an appointment today.
