Common Medications Used in the Treatment of Stroke Aftereffects
There are various medications used in the management of stroke aftereffects, which can be broadly categorized into several key types. These drugs aim to address different aspects of post-stroke care, including prevention of recurrence, management of underlying conditions, and improvement of neurological function.
Preventive Medications to Reduce Stroke Recurrence
Antiplatelet agents play a crucial role in preventing the formation of new blood clots. Commonly prescribed drugs include aspirin and clopidogrel bisulfate. These medications work by inhibiting platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of another thrombotic event. Patients who have experienced a stroke are often advised to continue these medications long-term under medical supervision.
Management of Underlying Health Conditions
Controlling underlying diseases is essential in post-stroke recovery. This includes blood pressure regulation, blood sugar control, and lipid management. Patients are typically prescribed statins such as atorvastatin calcium or rosuvastatin calcium to lower cholesterol levels, stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, and protect the vascular endothelium. Maintaining optimal levels of these biomarkers significantly reduces the risk of further vascular complications.
Medications to Improve Neurological Function and Recovery
To address the residual effects of stroke, certain medications are used to promote cerebral metabolism, enhance neural recovery, and improve circulation. These include herbal-based treatments such as Zhishe Tongluo Capsules, Compound Earthworm Capsules, Ginkgo Biloba Extract Pills, Xuesaitong Tablets, and MaiXueKang preparations. In addition, neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing drugs like citicoline sodium tablets, oxiracetam capsules, and cerebral protein hydrolysate tablets are often used to support brain function during the recovery phase.