What Are the Best Tips for Using Aspirin for a Stroke?

Some of the best tips for using aspirin for a stroke are to carefully make the decision on whether to take aspirin daily, not to use it for certain types of strokes, and never to use it if allergic to it. Taking daily aspirin for a stroke is a serious decision, because it can have severe side effects and cannot be stopped suddenly. In addition, aspirin can make some strokes worse rather than better, so emergency medical responders may not advise using it during a stroke. Lastly, aspirin should never be taken once it is determined that a person is allergic to it because doing so can be fatal.

Deciding whether to take aspirin every day in case of a stroke is a big decision. Most doctors recommend taking it so often only if a person has had a stroke in the past or is otherwise at a higher than normal risk of stroking. The side effects of daily aspirin can outweigh its benefits when consumed by a healthy, low-risk patient. Some possible side effects are internal bleeding, having a different kind of stroke, and ringing ears or hearing loss. Due to these serious complications, it is generally recommended that a person speak to his or her primary care doctor before taking aspirin daily for a stroke.

Taking aspirin for a stroke is not recommended if the person is allergic to the medication. Aspirin is a common allergy, and most of allergic reactions to it are uncomfortable but harmless. Anaphylaxis, however, is a rare but potentially deadly reaction to some medications. It can cause a person to have difficulty breathing, leading to blue skin, heart palpitations, and fluid in the lungs. These symptoms of anaphylaxis sometimes occur just seconds after taking aspirin and always within a few minutes.

If using aspirin for a heart attack immediately after the health condition occurred, the usual dosage is one adult tablet or four baby tablets, but emergency medical help should be contacted first in order to get help as soon as possible. This medication is not to be used during a stroke because it can potentially make some strokes worse. Even so, aspirin is not a miracle cure when it comes to heart attacks, but it can increase the chances of surviving a heart attack if taken during the event. In addition, some studies show that aspirin is beneficial even when taken two or more days after a stoke. Many hospitals have been advised to start stroke patients on long-term aspirin therapy to prevent recurrence.