STROKE

Stroke or cerebrovascular accident happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing the brain from obtaining oxygen supply and essential nutrients. Stroke is a medical emergency, and it can cause death or permanent disability. Therefore, prompt treatment is necessary, and it can prevent brain damage and any further health complications.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• The patient may feel numb. It can occur in the upper and lower extremities. They may also feel the weakness of the face. These symptoms can even occur on the side of the body.
• The patient may feel that it is hard to talk or communicate effectively. He or she can even find it difficult to understand speech. A reason behind this is the mentally confused state the patient is in.
• The patient may find it difficult to see with either one or both of the eyes.
• The patient may find it difficult to take a step or even walk properly. It can be associated with dizziness or loss of balance. It is because of a lack of coordination.
• The patient may experience severe headaches without any probable cause.

CAUSES

• Thrombotic Stroke

Blockage in the artery of the brain is one of the most common causes of stroke. This thrombosis can be due to a clot.

• Embolic Stroke

A dislodged piece of atherosclerotic plaque or a blood clot that lodges in the artery of the brain are another cause of embolic stroke.

• Cerebral hemorrhage

Rupture of a blood vessel in the brain can lead to bleeding in the brain tissues.

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage

It is a form of an aneurysm which results from the accumulation of blood in the arachnoid membrane.

• Vasculitis

It occurs due to the swelling of the blood vessels in the brain.

• Migraine

Narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain is another reason for stroke.

TREATMENT

Treatment of this condition depends on the type of stroke because the causative factors in both these types are different.

• Ischemic Stroke

The focus in the treatment for this type of stroke is to restore blood flow to the brain. Anticoagulants help in breaking down the clots and ensure proper blood flow. These include aspirin or tissue plasminogen activators.

• Hemorrhagic Stroke

The focus of treatment, in this case, is to control the bleeding and reduce pressure on the brain. Medications that reduce and maintain blood pressure are the first line of prevention. Other medications include anti-seizures or medicines that counteract the blood thinners. The patient can require surgical intervention in the case of an aneurysm.

MyDoc Urgent Care is well equipped to diagnose and prevent the recurrence of stroke. Book an appointment and get yourself checked.