A stroke happens when a blockage prevents blood from getting to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This can be a life-threatening condition, and it can also cause parts of the brain to become damaged or die. A stroke can lead to long-term disability and physical challenges in patients, particularly if treatment is not administered following a stroke.
The common symptoms of stroke are:
There are two kinds of strokes. An Ischemic Stroke is the most common kind of stroke, and it happens when blood clots or particles in the blood block the blood vessels to the brain. Fatty deposits called plaque can also cause Ischemic Strokes. Haemorrhagic Strokes happen when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures.
The cause of a stroke is either a blocked artery or a leaking or burst blood vessel. There is a third kind of stroke called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. TIA strokes are sometimes called “mini-strokes” or “warning strokes”. These strokes cause the blood flow to the brain to be blocked briefly, usually for less than five minutes.
The risk factors for stroke are:
A stroke is usually an emergency situation. The doctors at the emergency department will do a brief physical exam and then begin running tests to confirm that the patient is having a stroke. Blood tests will be done to look at clotting factors and to check that there are no signs of infection. CT scans can be used to look at the brain in detail and check for blood clots or injury to the brain tissue. An MRI might also be done to look for brain haemorrhages.
Carotid ultrasound can sometimes be necessary to look for problems with blood flow in the carotid artery in the neck, and a cerebral angiogram can also be done to look at the major arteries that can be involved in stroke activity. An echocardiogram might also be used to create detailed images of the heart and to look for blood clots within the heart’s structures.
Prevention of strokes requires controlling high blood pressure and lowering the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet. Quitting smoking and drinking or taking illegal drugs is also a good idea. Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for controlling high blood pressure. If you have diabetes, you need to be sure that you manage your blood sugar and eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Getting enough exercise can also be advantageous in preventing stroke.
Treatment of stroke is often done on an emergency basis. The kind of stroke that a patient is having also dictates the treatment that is necessary. When treating Ischemic strokes, doctors will need to make sure to restore blood flow to the brain right away. IV medications can be given to break up a blood clot and get blood flowing to the brain. If this does not resolve symptoms of stroke activity, the patient might need emergency endovascular treatment. Medications might be delivered directly to the brain through a catheter, or the clot might be removed with a stent retriever.
Placement of stents or carotid endarterectomy are procedures that might be required after the original procedure used to stabilise a stroke patient. These secondary surgeries are intended to provide long-term resolution for risks related to ischemic stroke.
When a patient is experiencing a haemorrhagic stroke, emergency measures are taken to help control bleeding. Patients are given blood thinners and medications to lower the pressure in the brain and lower blood pressure. Surgery might be needed to relieve pressure on the brain as well. There are various ways to stop a burst blood vessel from bleeding, and the size of the bleeding dictates which procedure is used in each case.
Patients who have suffered a stroke will usually require recovery and rehabilitation support. Strokes can cause damage to the function of the brain and cause patients to lose function in the body. Patients might not be able to speak properly or care for themselves after a stroke. Some patients make a full recovery during the rehabilitation period, but others struggle with long-term limitations related to having experienced a stroke.