Understanding Acute Ischemic Stroke: Causes and Symptoms
What is an acute ischemic stroke ?
An Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a deadly medical emergency that occurs when blood flow stops to any part of the brain due to sudden blockage, mostly due to a blood-clot.
This blockage leads to depriving the brain of essential oxygen and nutrients, resulting in the death of brain cells within minutes, seriousness and the impact of ischemic stroke depend on the location and the degree of blockage.
Ischemic strokes are considered a common type of strokes, covering around 87% of all the cases. Early recognition and immediate treatment are absolutely necessary to reduce brain damage while also enhancing the chances of recovery.
Let’s get familiar with the types of ischemic strokes
Thrombotic stroke – this type of stroke tends to occur when a blood clot (Thrombus) gets formed in an artillery that supplies blood to the brain. This kind of blockage usually happens when arteries start to narrow down due to atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty acids get built up in the artillery.
Embolic stroke—a form of stroke that occurs when blood clots or debris are formed somewhere else in the body, such as the heart. Blood travels through that particular stream to the brain. This type of travelling clot (embolic) eventually reaches the brain, blocking the blood flow to the brain.
How to recognize the early symptoms?
Acute ischemic stroke patients can experience sudden and unexpected symptoms, varying and depending on the area and location of the brain affected, there is a quick way to remember the most common signs using the acronym “FAST”.
Face drooping: The person may feel one side of the face numb or drooping and can experience problems smiling evenly.
Arm weakness: One arm can sometimes feel weak or go numb, and one can struggle to raise both arms evenly.
Speech difficulty: Speech can get slurred, and a person can struggle to speak or even understand.
It is time to call the emergency services. If even one of the conditions is found, act fast and seek medical services instantly. It is of utmost importance to save the patient time.
Causes
The main cause of ischemic stroke is the blockage of the blood flow to the brain, which can happen due to the following reasons
Atherosclerosis – accumulation of excess fatty acids in the artillery, causing shrinkage and increased risk of clotting.
Blood clots – form in the heart or other blood vessels, which eventually lead up to the brain.
Underlying heart conditions – like atrial fibrillation, disease in the valve of the heart, failure of the heart, eventually leading to blood clots.
Risk factors
Here are some factors contributing to increasing the risk of experiencing ischemic stroke
High blood pressure – one of the leading factors for a stroke.
Diabetes – can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of causing a stroke.
High cholesterol – causes the fatty acids that later build up in the arteries.
Smoking – results in damaging blood vessels, therefore increasing the risk of blood clots.
Obesity and lack of physical activity – contribute towards other factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Atrial fibrillation – heart rhythm being irregular can cause blood clots to form.
Certain other factors, such as age, gender (males are at higher risks), and family history, are also essential contributors.
Diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke
Proper and adept diagnosis is very important for effective treatment, for which several methods can be used such as
- Physical examination – quick check for neurological symptoms and indicators of stroke.
- Imaging tests – scans like MRI and CT help in visualizing the brain to detect any kind of blockage or bleeding.
- Blood tests – checking the presence of any blood clotting problem, blood sugar levels and any kind of infections.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – for detecting heart problems, like atrial fibrillation, that could’ve caused the stroke.
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Options for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke
The main objective of the treatment involves reinstating the flow of blood to the brain as quickly as possible. The sooner the treatment, the better the chances of reducing damage and improving recovery. Treatment includes 2 options
- Thrombolytic therapy (tPA) – administrating a clot-busting drug which, if given within 4.5 hours of the stroke, can dissolve the clot, restoring the blood flow to the brain.
- Mechanical thrombectomy – patients who cannot receive tPA or have a large blood clot. This involves inserting a catheter and using a device to remove the clot.
After an ischemic stroke, doctors prescribe suitable medications to prevent clot formation, such as antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication, patients also require further supportive care.
Choose Dr. Miguel Ley Nacher- for Acute Ischemic stroke treatment
Dr. Miguel’s commitment and proficiency render him the best neurologist in Dubai. Choose Dr Miguel for personalized neurological care.
