Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and occurs when one of the vessels in the brain is blocked, preventing blood from passing through. When this happens, the affected area does not receive oxygen and therefore cannot function normally, causing symptoms such as difficulty speaking, crooked mouth, loss of strength on one side of the body and changes in vision, for example.
In general, this type of stroke is more common in the elderly or people with a certain type of cardiovascular disorder, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, but it can occur in anyone and at any age.
- Because brain cells begin to die within minutes of stopping blood flow.
- Stroke is still considered a medical emergency.
- Which should be treated as soon as possible in the hospital to avoid serious side effects.
- Such as paralysis.
- Brain changes and even death.
Most characteristic symptoms that may indicate that the person is injured in a stroke include:
In addition, other symptoms may occur, such as tingling, changes in vision, fainting, headaches and even vomiting, depending on the area of the brain affected.
Learn how to identify a stroke and first aid
Stroke symptoms are persistent and persist until the person starts treatment in the hospital, however, there are also situations where symptoms can go away after a few hours without any treatment.
These situations are known as “transient ischemic accident” or TIA, and occur when the stroke was caused by a very small clot that was nevertheless pushed by blood flow and stopped clogging the vessel. In these episodes, in addition to improving symptoms, it is common for hospital exams to show no brain impairment.
Whenever a stroke is suspected, it is very important to go to the hospital to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor usually uses imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, to identify the blockage that causes stroke and initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Ischemic stroke occurs when one of the vessels in the brain is clogged, so blood cannot pass through and feed brain cells with oxygen and nutrients. This obstruction can occur in two different ways:
In addition, there are many other situations that increase your risk of developing a clot and having an ischemic stroke, such as having a family history of stroke, smoking, being overweight, not exercising, or taking a contraceptive pill, for example.
Treatment of ischemic stroke is done in the hospital and usually begins with the injection of thrombolytic drugs directly into the vein, which are drugs that dilute the blood and help remove the clot that causes the blockage in the vessel.
However, when the clot is very large and not eliminated only with the use of thrombolytics, a mechanical thromboectomy, which involves inserting a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube, may be necessary in one of the arteries of the groin or cervix and guide it to the brain vessel where the clot is located. Then, using this catheter, your doctor removes the clot.
In cases where stroke is not caused by a clot, but by narrowing of the vessel, your doctor may also use a catheter to place a stent in place, which is a small metal mesh that helps keep the vessel open, allowing blood to pass through. .
After treatment, the person should always be under observation in the hospital and therefore it is necessary to stay in the hospital for a few days. During hospitalization, your doctor will evaluate the presence of sequelae and may indicate the use of medications to reduce these sequelae, as well as physiotherapy and speech therapy sessions. Learn about the 6 most common sequelae after a stroke and how the cure develops.
Unlike ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke is rarer and occurs when a brain vessel ruptures, so blood cannot pass properly. Hemorrhagic stroke is more common in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, who take blood thinners or have an aneurysm. Learn more about the two types of traits and how to differentiate them.