What is a Brain Stroke
Strokes are caused by a blocked flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke) or a sudden bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). If a brain stroke occurs, the damage can be reduced and future strokes prevented, if treatment starts right away. The most important aspect of brain stroke treatment is getting it fast.
Types of Stroke
There are two main ways a brain stroke can occur: ischemia and haemorrhage.
Ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) blocks an artery leading to the brain. Ischemic strokes usually occur in one of the following ways:
Hemorrhagic stroke
Hemorrhagic strokes cause bleeding in and around the brain. This can happen in one of the two ways:
Bleeding inside the brain (intracerebral): This happens when a blood vessel in the brain tears or opens, causing bleeding that pressurises the surrounding brain tissue.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage: Bleeding in the subarachnoid space (the space between the brain and its outer covering).
Brain Stroke Symptoms
Brain stroke symptoms may occur suddenly. The symptoms may vary for each person and may include:
Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, leg (usually on one side of the body)
Hampered ability to think or trouble speaking
Problems with vision such as loss of vision or dimness in one or both the eyes
Dizziness or problems with coordination and balance
Issues with movement or walking
Sudden and severe headaches without a known cause
Fainting or seizures
Get Help FAST
A brain stroke is a life-threatening condition where every second matters. If you or someone close to you is experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, seek medical help immediately. The faster a stroke is treated, the more likely you’ll recover without a disability.
To timely recognise the warning signs of a brain stroke, remember to think BE FAST:
Balance: Be watchful of a sudden loss of balance.
Eyes: Look out for a sudden loss of vision in single or both eyes (Also, if an individual is experiencing double vision).
Face: Check if there is a drooping on one or both sides of the face (a sign of paralysis and muscle weakness).
Arm: A person experiencing a brain stroke often has muscle weakness on one side of the body. Ask the person to raise his/her arms. In case of one sided weakness, one arm will stay higher and the other drops downward.
Speech: A person experiencing stroke often loses the ability to speak. They might have trouble choosing the right words.
Time: Time is crucial, so don’t wait to get help! Sharing important information with a doctor such as when the symptoms of stroke start can help determine the best treatment options for you.
Stroke Risk Factors
An individual can experience a stroke at any age. However, the chances of experiencing a stroke increases due to certain factors. Some of the stroke risk factors can be modified or managed, while others are non-modifiable.
Controllable Risk Factors for a Stroke
Hypertension: High blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can damage arteries (blood vessels) that supply blood to the brain.
Heart disease: Heart disease is one of the most significant risk factors for a stroke and a major cause of death amongst stroke survivors.
Diabetes: Diabetic people are at a greater risk of stroke than someone without diabetes.
Smoking: Smoking doubles the risk for an ischemic stroke.
History of mini strokes: A history of TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attack) makes an individual 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and sex, who has never had a TIA.
High red blood cell count: A rise in the red blood cell count thickens the blood that leads to the formation of clots. This increases the risk of a stroke.
High blood cholesterol levels: High cholesterol levels can lead to thickening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque. Plaque buildup in the artery walls can decrease the amount of blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of a stroke.
Lack of exercise: Lack of physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle leading to obesity can increase the chances of a stroke.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Consuming more than two drinks a day or exceeding the recommended alcohol intake levels for a prolonged time increases the chances of a stroke.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors for a Stroke
Older age: For each decade of life after the age of 55, the chances of having a stroke increase.
Gender: The occurrence of a stroke is more common in women as compared to men.
History of a stroke: An individual is at a higher risk of having a second stroke if he/she has already had a stroke.
Family history: The chances of brain stroke is greater in an individual with a family history of stroke.
Brain Stroke Diagnosis
Artemis Hospital is the best neurology hospital in Gurgaon for the diagnosis of brain stroke. The tests for stroke diagnosis include brain imaging and measuring the flow of blood in the brain. These tests include:
CT scan of the brain: An imagining test that uses X-rays to take clear and detailed images of the brain. A brain CT scan shows any damage in the brain cells or bleeding in the brain caused by a stroke.
Brain MRI: A MRI test uses a combination of radio frequencies, large magnets, and a computer for detailed images of organs in the body.
CTA (computed tomographic angiography): A CT angiogram shows an X-ray image of the blood vessels.
CTA: A computed tomographic angiography is used to get images of blood vessels.
MRA (magnetic resonance angiography): This type of test uses MRI technology to determine the flow of blood through the arteries.
Brain Strokes Treatment
There is no cure for stroke once it has happened. However, advanced surgical and medical treatments are available to manage it. Also, stroke treatment is most effective when started right away. Stroke emergency treatment may include:
Clot-busting medicines (fibrinolytics or thrombolytics): These medicines help dissolve the blood clot that causes an ischemic stroke. They also help reduce the damage caused to the brain cells due to a stroke. For highest efficacy, they must be given within three hours of the occurrence of stroke.
Medicine and therapy for brain swelling: Special types of IV (intravenous) fluids help reduce or control brain swelling. These are especially given after a hemorrhagic stroke.
Neuroprotective medicines: These medicines help protect the lack of oxygen (ischemia) and brain damage.
Stroke Rehabilitation
Stroke rehabilitation is a program of therapies designed to help regain lost skills after a stroke. The methods of stroke rehabilitation depend on the affected part of the brain. Rehabilitation helps with movement, strength, speech and daily life skills. Rehabilitation for stroke also helps improve the overall quality of life and regain independence. The rehabilitation plan will depend on the part of the body or the individualistic abilities impacted by a stroke.
Physical Activities
Physical activities may include:
Technology-assisted Physical Activities
Technology-assisted physical activities may include:
Emotional and Cognitive Activities
Additionally, the emotional and cognitive activities may include:
Therapy to help communication
Therapy for cognitive symptoms
Psychological assessment and personalised treatment
FAQs
What is the best brain stroke treatment?
An IV injection of recombinant TPA (tissue plasminogen activator) is the gold standard treatment for an ischemic stroke. A TPA injection is usually administered through a vein in the arm within the first three hours of stroke occurrence.
Can brain stroke patients recover fully?
Many people regain some or full ability to take care of themselves. Those who are administered clot-busting drugs soon enough after the stroke can recover quickly. Individuals whose abilities are changed by a stroke can learn ways to adapt through therapies to help with movement, communication and other everyday tasks. Consult the best neurologist in gurgaon at Artemis Hospital, for diagnosis, treatment and stroke rehabilitation.
What causes a stroke in the brain?
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot, known as thrombus, blocks an artery leading to the brain. A blood clot forms in arteries damaged by a buildup of plaque. It can occur in the carotid artery of the neck and other arteries.
Is brain stroke serious?
A brain stroke is a medical emergency and can cause lasting brain damage, long term disability and in some cases, even death. The signs of stroke can range from mild weakness to numbness or paralysis in one side of the face and body.
Which medicine is best for stroke?
Anticoagulants are used for the prevention of ischemic stroke (the most common type of stroke in India) and ministroke. An anticoagulant helps prevent the formation of blood clots and prevent existing clots from increasing in size.
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