Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How To Treat Swelling In Brain Caused Due To A Massive Stroke?
My 65 year old husband suffered a massive stroke this morning on the left side of his brain. He is a-fib and did not make it in time for the catherization to remove the blot clot. He had also undergone surgery recently and was off his coumidin medication. The neuro surgeon said the brain is swelling and there is no hope of a recovery that will ensure a decent quality of life. We are praying, and I do not want to make the decision to remove his from life support. Can you tell me what his prognosis might be. Thank you
Fri, 17 Apr 2020
Hello,
It is challenging to reduce brain edema(swelling) in patients who had surgery for major stroke. There are not many treatment options that are available to safely reduce the pressure on brain.
Although, large quantities of glycerol is used in such cases. Intravenous glycerol is used to reduces pressure built-up on brain(about 50% decrease), and this effect last for an hour or more. However, glycerol starts accumulating in the brain tissue.
Other possible treatment options are use of mannitol(a diuertic medication), use of cortico-steroid drugs and decompression surgery. Despite treatment, unfortunately, most patient fail to recover and live a satisfactory life.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Ayesha Shareef
It is challenging to reduce brain edema(swelling) in patients who had surgery for major stroke. There are not many treatment options that are available to safely reduce the pressure on brain.
Although, large quantities of glycerol is used in such cases. Intravenous glycerol is used to reduces pressure built-up on brain(about 50% decrease), and this effect last for an hour or more. However, glycerol starts accumulating in the brain tissue.
Other possible treatment options are use of mannitol(a diuertic medication), use of cortico-steroid drugs and decompression surgery. Despite treatment, unfortunately, most patient fail to recover and live a satisfactory life.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Ayesha Shareef
I find this answer helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....