Stroke

Summary

Illustrates the pathophysiology of stroke and its causes. Patients also learn of warning signs including transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and bruits. Explains medical and surgical steps needed to be taken to prevent a full-fledged stroke when warning signs are present.

Details

A stroke is caused by blockage or rupture of the arteries that provide the brain cells with blood carrying oxygen and nutrients.

When an artery becomes blocked or ruptures, the brain cells supplied by that artery die and functions controlled by that part of the brain may be lost.

Risk factors for a stroke:

• untreatable:
  • age
  • sex
  • race
  • family history
• treatable:
  • high blood pressure
  • high levels of cholesterol
  • smoking
  • heart disease
  • diabetes
  • being overweight

Atherosclerosis- cholesterol and fatty deposits form on the inner walls of arteries narrowing the vessel and decreasing the blood flow.

A blood clot may form around the build up of cholesterol, break free and travel through the blood stream toward the brain. Here it can become stuck in a blood vessel and cut off blood flow to part of the brain.

The most likely location for clots to form is in the carotid artery in the neck.

When a stroke occurs, the surrounding cells die and functions controlled by that area of the brain may be lost.

High blood pressure can cause the small blood vessels of the brain to gradually narrow so controlling high blood pressure is the most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of stroke.

Treatment plan for keeping your blood pressure under control:

• medication
• cut down on salt if your blood pressure is sensitive to salt
• exercise to help you lose weight and lower blood pressure

Warning signs that a person is at risk for a stroke:

• A bruit is the sound of blood flowing to the brain through a carotid artery narrowed by fatty deposits.

The doctor may prescribe medication to thin your blood and prevent blood clots from forming.

An endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to unclog the carotid artery.

Mini-strokes are called transient ischemic attacks (TIA's). TIA's are caused by a clot temporarily blocking a blood vessel in the brain, cutting off the blood supply.

If the clot dissolves and blood flow is restored quickly, the symptoms go away.

Usually the symptoms last for a few seconds to a few minutes.

TIA symptoms can include:

• A sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Dimness or loss of vision especially in one eye
• Difficulty speaking

Since it's not known if a TIA will become a full fledged stroke, you should get prompt medical treatment. If it turns out you're having an actual stroke, prompt treatment can sometimes limit brain cell damage.

Steps you can take to prevent a stroke from happening:

• If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to get it under control
• If your cholesterol level is high, you can lower it by eating a diet low in fat and cholesterol
• Another way to reduce risk is to stop smoking
• If you have heart disease or diabetes, make sure you work with your doctor to keep them under control
• And if you're overweight, getting rid of those extra pounds can reduce the risk