The brain needs a continuous flow of blood to function. When this flow of blood is impeded, an ischemic stroke can occur. Because strokes can be life-threatening, immediate medical intervention is needed to help the person experiencing this common healthcare emergency.
The reduced blood associated with ischemic strokes can occur for a few reasons. Many people develop this medical condition due to narrowing arteries. In some cases, the fatty deposits responsible for narrowing arteries may create a blockage. Damage to arteries can also cause blood clots to form, which can obstruct the necessary flow of blood.
In many cases, arteries become blocked due to one or more of the following factors:
The risk of stroke also increases as a person grows older, with people aged 55 and older typically having the highest risk.
Victims of stroke have the greatest chance of recovery when they receive medical attention as soon as possible. Quickly identifying the signs of stroke is crucial, so be sure to watch for the following symptoms:
Strokes can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as vision issues and significant headaches. If you are not sure whether a person is experiencing a stroke, it is best to seek medical attention anyway to ensure timely treatment is received.
With an ischemic stroke, emergency medical treatment must be received in a timely manner to prevent more serious effects, including loss of life. In this case, doctors must remove the blockage impeding the flow of blood to the brain. With a blood clot, this entails administering clot-busting medications, sometimes directly to the area of the brain affected.
If the obstruction is related to narrow arteries, doctors can use surgical procedures to address the issue. This can involve removing plaque to allow blood to flow through arteries easily or placing a stent within the artery to keep it open.
As for the recovery process, it usually depends on the severity of the stroke. Many people require additional therapy, such as physical and occupational therapy, to restore their former abilities. If damage to the brain is severe, a person may also require assistance with daily tasks and activities going forward.