PHARMACOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES IN THE TREATMENT OF ISCHEMIC STROKE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is a pathology that causes vascular obstruction in the main vessels of the nervous system, through thrombosis, embolism or tumors, with symptomatic manifestations derived from motor, sensory or psychic dysfunctions. It constitutes the second largest cause of death globally, mainly in underdeveloped countries, and 10% of deaths in patients over 50 years of age, requiring adequate instruction from professionals to treat the disease, given the high incidence and mortality. The objective of this review is to discuss the main pharmacological and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of ischemic stroke, as well as the rehabilitation of patients, reporting the benefits and their applications in medical practice. The methodology involved a comprehensive search for articles in the Pubmed and Scielo databases and use of gray literature, with analysis and synthesis of information to carry out the study. According to the information found, the main treatment for patients with onset of symptoms within 4 and a half hours are thrombolytic medications, mainly alteplase, and other medications such as antihypertensives, statins, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. Mechanical tombectomy and decompressive craniotomy are non-pharmacological approaches used in individuals with longer symptomatic manifestations. Studies on the concept of neuroprotective factors have been tested and demonstrated effectiveness in animals, but not in humans. Rehabilitation with physiotherapists, speech therapists and nutritionists is essential for patients to return to autonomous, everyday life. Despite the different forms of treatment portrayed, which are essential for the knowledge of academics and health professionals, the need to carry out new studies that aim to reduce mortality and the consequences caused by the disease stands out.