The Mayo Clinic states that stroke is a sudden and devastating medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. When you have a stroke, you may experience paralysis or numbness on one side of your body, a severe headache, and trouble speaking, walking or seeing. In some instances, people may experience a mini-stroke called a transient ischemic attack that disappears within 24 hours. This serves a harbinger for an eventual stroke. If left untreated, stroke can lead to memory loss, permanent paralysis and trouble walking, talking or swallowing.
Aspirin
According to the Mayo Clinic, aspirin should be given immediately after the onset of a stroke because it decreases the chances of another stroke. Aspirin is an anti-platelet agent that prevents blood clot formations in your blood vessels. When a blood clot forms, it can lodge in your brain's blood vessels, deprive it of oxygen and result in a serious and sudden stroke. The American Heart Association states that aspirin is usually taken at low doses once a day or every other day to thin your blood.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a type of medication that breaks up existing blood clots (thrombolytic agent) lodged in your brain. The American Heart Association states that this medication should be given within the first three hours after the initial stroke symptoms. When given during this time frame, tPA can prevent permanent disability and the recurrence of another stroke.
Anticoagulant Medications
Anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin or Coumadin, prevent the formation of blood clots and stop the growth of existing ones, states the American Heart Association. Your doctor will constantly monitor certain blood clotting levels in your blood to ensure the anticoagulants are working properly. You should take these anticoagulant medications as your doctor prescribes. If you develop faintness, dizziness, headache, bleeding and dark colored stool or urine, you should notify your doctor, as she may have to change your dosage or medication.
