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A stroke is a medical condition that may occur if a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, or the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to a narrowed artery. This results in reduced blood flow to the brain, leading to a stroke. It is also referred to as a brain attack because it is similar to a heart attack in the brain.
Strokes are a critical medical issue needing immediate attention to prevent death or serious harm. An ischemic stroke occurs when a section of the brain's blood flow is reduced or obstructed because the brain's tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. At the same time, your brain may bleed during hemorrhagic strokes. A transient ischemic attack is a brief stroke-like event that, despite subsiding in minutes to hours, necessitates rapid medical intervention to identify a genuine stroke.
Symptoms of a Stroke
If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing a stroke, pay close attention to when the symptoms begin. Stroke symptoms and signs include:
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Difficulty Speaking and Hearing what others Say
You can slur words, sound confused, or have trouble following conversations.
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Difficulty in Walking
You could stumble or get unbalanced. A sudden loss of balance or dizziness is a potential symptom.
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Face, Leg, or Arm Numbness or Paralysis
You might suddenly experience paralysis, weakness, or numbness. Usually, just one side of the body is impacted. Attempt to raise both of your arms above your head simultaneously.
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Vision Issues
Your vision may suddenly become blurry or dark, or you may encounter double vision.
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Headache
A sudden, intense headache may indicate that you are experiencing a stroke if it is followed by vomiting or unconsciousness.
Risk Factors of a Stroke
The following are some factors that may lead to hemorrhagic strokes:
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Uncontrolled Diabetes
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Smoking
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Excessive alcohol consumption
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Pre-existing heart disease
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Obesity and Sleep apnea
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Strong family history of stroke.
Diagnosis of a Stroke
At the Stroke and Vascular Neurology Hospital on Millers Road, a specialised team of neurovascular disorders can identify a stroke using neurological examination, diagnostic imaging, and other tests. They may ask you to do tasks or respond to questions during a neurological examination. They will watch for warning signals about how your brain functions when you carry out these exercises or respond to these questions.
The most common tests that happen when a doctor suspects a stroke include:
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MRI (brain)
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Computerised tomography (CT) scan
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Blood tests
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Cardiac (heart) evaluation
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Electroencephalography (EEG)
Treatment of a Stroke
Whether you have an ischemic stroke or a stroke involving bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic) will determine the type of treatment you need.
Ischemic Stroke
The treatment of an ischemic brain stroke is to immediately restore blood flow to the brain. This is possible by using the following:
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Emergency IV Medication
The most effective therapy for ischemic stroke is an intravenous injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), also known as alteplase (Activase) or tenecteplase (TNKase). The sooner these medications are given, the better. It works only in the immediate few hours after the stroke. And, it is important to reach the hospital once you notice any signs and symptoms of a stroke.
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Emergency Endovascular Procedures
After an ischemic stroke, endovascular treatment has been proven to improve results and lessen long-term impairment dramatically. Some actions that need to be taken are:
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Removing the clot with a stent retriever.
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Carotid Endarterectomy
The carotid arteries are the blood vessels that run down each side of the neck and carry blood to the brain. Removing the plaque that is obstructing a carotid artery, this procedure may lower the risk of an ischemic stroke.
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Carotid Angioplasty and Stents
A catheter is inserted into the carotid arteries during a carotid angioplasty through a groin artery. The artery is then widened by inflating a balloon. The placement of a stent can then support the opened artery.
Haemorrhagic Stroke
The primary goals of emergency haemorrhagic stroke therapy are to stop the bleeding and ease the pressure the extra fluid puts on the brain. Options for treatment include:
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Emergency Measures
You may get medicines or blood product infusions to offset the effects of blood thinners if you use them to avoid blood clots.
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Surgery
A vascular neurologist in Millers Road may conduct surgery to drain the blood and relieve pressure on the brain if the bleeding is extensive. Moreover, surgery may be performed to treat blood vessel issues brought on by haemorrhagic strokes.
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Surgical Clipping
A surgeon inserts a small clip at its base to block the aneurysm's blood supply. This clip can prevent the aneurysm from rupturing or prevent an aneurysm that has previously bled from doing so again.
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Surgical AVM Removal
If a smaller AVM (arteriovenous malformation) is found in a brain region reached by surgery, it may be removed. But if the AVM is big and deeply positioned in the brain, or if removal would negatively affect brain function, removing it may not always be possible.
Seek immediate consultation with an expert neurologist if you witness stroke symptoms in yourself or your loved one. There are multiple ways to combat stroke and its reoccurrence. Contact a Consultant - Neurology at Manipal Hospital in Bangalore.
Some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the condition and necessary measurements to be taken are provided below:
What treatment for ischemic stroke works the best?
The most effective method of treating an ischemic stroke is an intravenous injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). It is also known as alteplase (Activase) or tenecteplase (TNKase).
What should stroke sufferers avoid?
They should avoid the following after a stroke:
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Don’t skip medications
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Stop smoking and alcohol consumption
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Reduce salt intake
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Take a balanced diet
Can stroke be completely cured?
It completely depends on how soon you seek neurologist advice after a stroke. Everyone's recovery after a stroke takes a different time; it may take weeks, months, or even years. While some sufferers fully recover, others are left behind with few disabilities.
