Stroke
Overview
A stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is a critical medical condition where every minute is crucial for the survival of brain cells. Whether caused by a blockage (ischemic) or a ruptured vessel (hemorrhagic), quickly recognizing the symptoms using the FAST test is key to minimizing permanent disability and achieving successful recovery.Symptoms
- weakness in the limbs
- drooping of the corner of the mouth
- impaired speech
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is a medical emergency, in which the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or significantly reduced.
This leads to a lack of oxygen and nutrients, and brain cells in the affected area begin to die within minutes. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a major cause of permanent disability. Rapid recognition and treatment are critical to reducing damage.
Types and Causes
There are two main types of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type (about 85%) and is caused by a blockage of a blood vessel in the brain by a blood clot (thrombus or embolism).
- Hemorrhagic stroke: This is less common but often more severe and is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel and bleeding into brain tissue.
Risk factors are the same as for heart diseases: high blood pressure (hypertension), atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.
Symptoms and Urgency
Symptoms occur suddenly and often affect only one side of the body. The acronym FAST is used for quick recognition:
- Face: Drooping on one side of the face when smiling.
- Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm, inability to lift it.
- Speech: Slurred speech, unclear words, or difficulty understanding.
- Time: Time to act! Immediately call Emergency Services (112).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Upon arriving at the hospital, a CT (computed tomography) or MRI of the head is quickly performed to determine whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, as the treatment differs.
- Ischemic stroke: Treatment within the first hours may include thrombolysis (administering medication to dissolve the clot) or mechanical thrombectomy (physically removing the clot with a catheter).
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure, managing the bleeding, and, if necessary, surgical intervention.
After the acute phase, long-term rehabilitation (physical therapy, speech therapy) and prevention of secondary stroke through medication and control of risk factors follow.
Synonyms: Brain attack, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), apoplexy
Related Medical Services
Neurology
At the neurology office of the Pentagram Medical Center, we offer diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. We treat and monitor conditions such as headaches and migraines, dizziness, neuralgia, peripheral neuropathies, sleep disorders, parkinsonian syndromes, strokes, and other.
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