Hemorrhagic stroke, also known as intra-cerebral hemorrhage (ICH), is regarded as a separate entity from stroke due to ischemia.
Both present with similar focal neurological deficits, but patients with ICH are more likely to have headache, altered mental status, seizures, nausea, vomiting and marked hypertension.
ICH is also associated with higher mortality rates.
ICH is a medical emergency and the first few hours can be quite significant in terms of morbidity and mortality.
All such patients require urgent hospitalization and emergency treatment.
Ayurvedic treatment can be initiated after the initial acute stage has subsided.
Treatment is aimed at controlling stress and hypertension; and preventing further bleeding and increase in complications.
Medicines like Sutshekhar-Ras, Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) and Dhamasa (Fagonia cretica) are used to control high blood pressure.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) are used to reduce stress.
Medicines like Tapyadi-Loh, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Maha-Yograj-Guggulu, Chandrakala-Ras, Kamdudha-Ras, Praval-Bhasma, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Chandan (Santalum album), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) are used to prevent further bleeding and complications.
Once the patient's condition has been stabilized, treatment is given to rehabilitate the patient, reduce disability and improve function of the limbs to the maximum extent possible with medicines.
The entire body is massaged with medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil, Chandan-Bala-Laxadi oil and Maha-Mash oil.
Medicated steam fomentations are usually done after massage in order to help speed the process of muscular-function recovery.
However, since most patients with hemorrhagic stroke have a history of high blood pressure, fomentation is usually not done in such patients, since this procedure can cause a rise in blood pressure.
Medicines like Kaishor-Guggulu, Trayodashang-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras and Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani are given to improve motor and sensory functions.
The consequences of hemorrhagic stroke can be quite devastating both in terms of morbidity and mortality.
All patients having high blood pressure are at risk of hemorrhagic stroke, and prevention of this condition should be given prime importance in such patients.
Ayurvedic treatment can be given as additional therapy to prevent stroke and its resulting complications.