What is a massive stroke?
A massive stroke is characterized by hemispheric infarct that may result in displacement (herniation) of the brain tissue due to swelling or bleeding. This can lead to disruption of important functions leading to death. Patients are usually put into an induced coma to lessen the trauma. This keeps the patient calm and immobile to effect the healing process. While comatose, care involves turning the patient every 2 hours to prevent pneumonia and bed sores. Suffice it to say, patients in this condition are gravely ill and require specialized care in the hospital’s Neuro Unit. If you had to choose, having a stroke on the left is preferable due to the ability of the right side of the brain to compensate for what is lost on the left side. There are warning signs prior to a massive stroke occurs that are more severe than a TIA. Symptoms for TIA are the same for a stroke, and is why immediate medical attention is needed to prevent severe brain damage and disabilities. It is possible to surviv
