Stroke - Types, Symptoms and Treatment

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What is a stroke?

The brain is one of the most important organs in the human body. It serves as a control center for almost all of the systems in the body. In order for it to receive the nutrients and oxygen it needs to function, the cardiovascular system delivers blood to areas around the brain. A stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is either interrupted or reduced. When this happens, the brain does not get enough oxygen or nutrients, and brain cells start to die.

What Are the Symptoms of Stroke?

Most common symptoms of a stroke are:

Weakness or numbness of the face, leg, or arm on one side of the body.

Sudden, severe headache with unknown cause.

Loss of balance cause difficulty in walking.

Loss of vision.

Loss of speech, feels difficult to talk or difficult to understand what others saying.

Types

There are three main types of stroke:

Ischemic stroke: Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot forms in the brain so that supply of blood and oxygen is blocked.

Hemorrhagic stroke: Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures,normally occur as a result of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Transient ischemicattacks (TIAs): It is also called mini-stroke, these occur when blood supply to the brain stops.Normal blood flow continue after a short amount of time, and symptoms cease.

Treatment

Causes for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic strokes are different.So both require different forms of treatment.

Ischemic stroke

This type of stroke are caused when arteries narrowed or blocked.So treatment concentrate on restoring an adequate flow of blood to the brain.

Treatment starts with drugs that break down clots and prevent its formation.Aspirin can be given, as can an injection of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) as it  dissolves clots but needs to be injected within 4.5 hours of stroke symptoms.In emergency situation administrating TPA directly into an artery or using a catheter to physically remove the clot.

There are other procedures that can be carried out. A carotid endarterectomy means a surgery by opening the carotid artery and removing any plaque that might be blocking it.

An angioplasty remove the clot by inflating a small balloon in a narrowed artery via catheter and then inserting a mesh tube called a stent into the opening. This prevents the artery from narrowing again.

Hemorrhagic stroke

This type of stroke is formed when there is an injury or bleeding occur in the brain.  So the treatment concentrate on controlling the bleeding and reducing the pressure on the brain.

Treatment begins by giving drugs to reduce the pressure in the brain, control overall blood pressure, prevent seizures and prevent sudden constrictions of blood vessels.

Surgery can be used to repair any problems with blood vessels that have led or could lead to hemorrhagic strokes. Surgeons can place small clamps at the base of aneurysms or fill them with detachable coils to stop blood flow and prevent rupture.

If the hemorrhage is caused by arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), surgery can also be used to remove them if they are not too big and not too deep in the brain. AVMs are tangled connections between arteries and veins that are weaker and burst more easily than other normal blood vessels.

Rehabilitation

Strokes can affect a person both physically and emotionally. After a stroke, successful recovery will often involve specific therapies and support, such as:

Speech therapy: This helps with any problems producing or understanding speech. Practice, relaxation, and changing communication style can all help.

Physical therapy: This can help a person relearn movement and co-ordination. It is important to stay active, even if it is difficult at first.

Occupational therapy: This is used to help a person to improve their ability to carry out routine daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, dressing, eating, reading, and writing.

Support groups: These help with common mental health problems such as depression that can occur after a stroke. Many find it useful to share common experiences and exchange information.

Support from friends and family: The people closest to a person should offer practical support and comfort after a stroke. Letting friends and family know what can be done to help is very important.

Rehabilitation is an important and ongoing part of treatment. With the right assistance and the support of loved ones, rehabilitation to a normal quality of life is possible, depending on the severity of the stroke.

AVA Rehabilitation Center is the only center that provides coordinated wholistic care incorporating Modern Medicine with Ayurvedic Medicine.


Location: Thrissur, Kerala, India

Comments

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