Overview
An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. This deprivation of oxygen and nutrients leads to the death of brain cells within minutes. It is the most common type of stroke, accounting for approximately 85% of cases.
Types of Ischemic Stroke
- Thrombotic Stroke: Caused by a blood clot forming in an artery leading to the brain.
- Embolic Stroke: Occurs when a blood clot or other debris forms elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain, blocking blood flow.
Causes of Ischemic Stroke
- Atherosclerosis: Narrowing or blockage of brain blood vessels due to plaque buildup.
- Cardiac Conditions: Atrial fibrillation, heart valve disorders, or heart attacks.
- Thromboembolism: Clots originating from large arteries or the heart.
Risk Factors of Ischemic Stroke
- Hypertension: High blood pressure increases stroke risk.
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar levels contribute.
- Smoking: Damages blood vessels and promotes clot formation.
- Obesity: Excess weight strains the cardiovascular system.
- High Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels lead to plaque formation.
Symptoms of Ischemic Stroke
1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness: Typically affects one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg.
May cause difficulty in lifting objects, holding a cup, or walking.
2. Confusion and Trouble Speaking: Slurred speech or difficulty finding the right words.
Inability to understand or express language.
3. Vision Changes: Blurred vision or sudden loss of vision in one eye.
Double vision or visual disturbances.
4. Severe Headache: Often described as the “worst headache of my life.”
May occur suddenly without any apparent cause.
5. Dizziness and Loss of Balance: Feeling unsteady or unable to maintain balance.
May lead to falls or stumbling.
6. Facial Drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb.
Ask the person to smile to check for asymmetry.
7. Difficulty Swallowing: Dysphagia (trouble swallowing) due to muscle weakness.
Risk of choking or aspiration.
8. Arm and Leg Weakness: Sudden weakness or paralysis in an arm or leg.
Inability to move or control limb movements.
9. Loss of Coordination: Difficulty walking straight or performing fine motor tasks.
Unsteady gait.
10. Altered Mental State: Confusion, disorientation, or sudden memory loss.
Changes in behavior or personality.
Preventions of Ischemic Stroke
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy Diet: Low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise reduces stroke risk.
- Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking to improve vascular health.
- Medications: Blood thinners, antihypertensives, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
- Control Diabetes and Hypertension.
Diagnosis of Ischemic Stroke
- Imaging: CT scans, MRI, and angiography.
- Blood Tests: Assess clotting factors and lipid levels.
- Neurological Examination: Assess symptoms and deficits.
- Evaluating Stroke Subtypes: Critical for tailored treatment.
Treatment for Ischemic Stroke
- Thrombolytic Drugs: Dissolve clots (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator).
- Endovascular Thrombectomy: Mechanical removal of clots.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
- Secondary Prevention: Address risk factors to prevent recurrence.
When to seek medical attention ?
- Immediately: If you experience any stroke symptoms.
- Emergency Medical Help: Every minute counts for minimizing brain damage.
