The mortality rate of cerebrovascular disease in Japan was the highest in the 1950s and 1960s, and it was called a national disease.
However, since the 1980s, treatment methods have been established, and it has become possible to detect it at an early stage through medical checkups, so it is on the decline.
Although it is on the decline, it is a dangerous disease that is directly linked to death and is still the third leading cause of death in Japan.
Cerebral infarction can lead to sequelae that interfere with daily life and, in the worst case, even death, unless appropriate treatment is given early.
In this article, we will try to solve the problems such as what kind of treatment is available if you actually have a stroke, what kind of early treatment is available for stroke, and how much it will cost.
I will explain the treatment method and cost immediately after the onset.
We hope that this article has helped you to alleviate some of your concerns.
table of contents
Acute-stage treatment is important for ischemic stroke
Once a stroke has occurred, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.
By seeing a doctor as soon as you feel something wrong and taking appropriate measures, you will not only benefit from the treatment, but you will also have a better prognosis afterward.
Let's take a look at some of the treatments available for acute ischemic stroke.
drug therapy
Thrombolytic therapy
It is a method that dissolves blood clots in the blood vessels of the brain and restores blood flow.
Although it is limited to cases within 4 hours after the onset of cerebral infarction, the treatment method of intravenous infusion of a thrombolytic agent called "t-PA" is given top priority.
anticoagulant therapy
This is a treatment method in which drugs such as heparin or argatroban, which suppress the action of blood clotting factors, are intravenously infused to suppress the formation of fibrin clots.
Suitable for relatively large cerebral infarction within 48 hours after onset, excluding cardiogenic cerebral embolism.
antiplatelet therapy
A treatment that prevents platelet thrombosis.
Medications such as ozagrel administered by intravenous infusion and aspirin administered orally suppress the function of platelets.
It is used for cerebral infarction, excluding cardiogenic cerebral embolism, and is a widely selected treatment method in the acute phase.
anti-edema therapy
This is a treatment method applied for edema caused by cerebral infarction.
Drugs such as glyceol and mannitol are given by intravenous drip.
brain protection therapy
It is a treatment method that prevents damage to nerve cells caused by cerebral infarction.
Edaravone can be used for any type of cerebral infarction within 24 hours after the onset of cerebral infarction.
surgical treatment
Local fibrinolytic therapy
A method of injecting a thrombolytic agent directly into an infarcted blood vessel using a catheter.
It is said to be an effective method because it administers the drug locally to the site where the infarction has occurred.
This treatment is only indicated within 6 hours after the onset of symptoms.
thrombectomy therapy
In the case of cardiogenic cerebral embolism within 8 hours after onset, thrombectomy may be performed by inserting a catheter into the blood vessel and removing the thrombus clogging the blood vessel.
It is a less invasive method because it can be performed without craniotomy.
decompressive craniotomy
This is a surgical procedure that removes part of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain in order to save lives when there is a large infarct and the intracranial pressure is significantly increased due to edema.
The skull is cut under general anesthesia, and when the intracranial pressure returns to normal, a second operation is performed to restore the cut skull.
Rehabilitation is important after treatment.
Rehabilitation is important after the acute phase.
After the confusion of life and death, I just want to finally regain my composure and take a breather.
It is important to start rehabilitation early.
By starting rehabilitation immediately after the onset of the disease, it becomes easier to improve the paralysis, and you will be able to live your daily life without any inconvenience.
In addition, if you do not move your body, you will lose physical strength and muscle strength.
It is very difficult to restore physical strength and muscle strength once lost.
Rehabilitation from an early stage is important to minimize the aftereffects and enable independent daily living.
Of course, it is not possible to suddenly do something hard, so it is important to receive guidance from professional staff such as doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
How much does stroke treatment cost?
Today, the number of people suffering from cerebral infarction is increasing, and the effectiveness of treatment is increasing.
There are various treatment methods.
However, on the other hand, isn't there a lot of people who are worried about the cost of treatment?
The cost varies depending on the treatment method and the number of days of hospitalization, but here we will explain the general cost.
The hospitalization cost for cerebral infarction is about 170,000 yen for those who pay 10%.
It costs about 500,000 yen for those who pay 30%.
However, there are also high-cost medical expense systems, so if you receive such a system, the burden may be less than these costs.
Also, the longer the hospital stay, the higher the cost.
If you are worried about the cost, it is a good idea to consult with a social worker at the hospital.
summary
I have explained the treatment contents and treatment costs of cerebral infarction.
Early detection and early treatment are the basic principles of treatment and rehabilitation for stroke.
If you feel even the slightest change, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
It is possible to treat with a less invasive method, so please consult with your doctor and select the treatment that suits your condition.
On the other hand, the technology of "regenerative medicine", which uses autologous stem cells to alleviate the burden on the body and treat it, is also progressing, so it is recommended for those who want to work on stroke prevention.
Omotesando Helene Clinic specializes in regenerative medicine that does not place a burden on the body.The number of cases has exceeded 8,000 in Japan and overseas, and it has also acquired the "GCR: Global Clinic Rating" certification, which is proof that it has exceeded international standards. We are here.
"I'm curious, but I can't decide if prevention is really necessary now." You may be at risk of wandering life and death without realizing it, so Please feel free to contact us.
・Inquiry form (LINE, We Chat, email support):https://stemcells.jp/contact/
[Regenerative Medicine Outpatient] 03-3400-2277
(If you look at the article and let me know that you want to receive free counseling, I will guide you)
[References]
Tetsuya Kimura (2013) "Cerebral infarction understood from zero"
[Reference site]
"Smart Brain Dock" (2022)
https://smartdock.jp/contents/editor-column/ec003/
"Minds Guideline Library" (2006)
https://minds.jcqhc.or.jp/n/pub/1/pub0005/G0000068/0008
Supervision: Dr. Yasushi Tsuda