Ischemic stroke (brain infarction) occurs as a result of the cessation of power supply to areas of the brain. The cause of the phenomenon is a long-term spasm or the formation of a blood clot in the lumen of the artery that supplies blood to the brain tissue. The process develops quickly, because the nervous tissue is very sensitive to the lack of supply of blood, oxygen and other necessary substances. Manifestations of pathology are diverse and depend on the zone and degree of damage. A variant of cerebral ischemic stroke is common.
What causes disease
The disease most often develops in the elderly. It is caused by a sharp jump in blood pressure (crisis) against the background of long-term hypertension. This process is accompanied by a sharp compression of the artery (spasm) and the development of brain tissue death (infarction). Against the background of hypertension, the inner layer of arteries is affected by the atherosclerotic process, which leads to the development of plaques on which blood clots form.
With a large number of affected vessels, an ischemic stroke often develops, which takes over a large area of the brain. With spasm of arteries, blood clots can completely block the lumen of vessels, which will accelerate the development of ischemia. In such cases, the disease is characterized by very severe clinical manifestations with long-term consequences and disability. Treatment of acute ischemic stroke is a time-consuming process in which doctors of various specialties participate.
Symptomatic picture of ischemic stroke
Complaints during a stroke can be diverse. They depend on the size and number of affected vessels, on which areas of the brain are affected. Brain infarction develops suddenly.
The disease is characterized by:
- disruption of speech and understanding of other people;
- motor disorders - paralysis and paresis (partial loss of movements, sensitivity, strength). The process can cover one side of the body, separately arms, legs, face;
- disorders of urination, difficulty in swallowing, etc. p.
In the case of the development of an ischemic stroke of the brain stem, movement and coordination disorders prevail. Intellectual capabilities of patients with this type of disease do not deteriorate.
In severe cases, acute respiratory disorders and heart failure are possible. Without medical help, the patient may die. A formidable complication of an ischemic stroke is coma, which is treated in specialized intensive care units.
The sooner the patient is given help, the faster the recovery will be. The modern level of medicine makes it possible to successfully treat this disease. Patient participation in the therapy process is a necessary condition for recovery and prevention of repeated ischemic attacks.
Ischemic stroke in children develops as a result of pregnancy pathologies, difficult childbirth with traumatic injuries, some hereditary diseases. The clinical picture is similar to the manifestations in adults. Children's strokes occur in more severe forms.
Diagnosis of the disease
Only a doctor can diagnose this pathology. Specific symptoms during the examination allow an experienced neurologist to determine not only the diagnosis, but also the localization of the process. The start of treatment for an ischemic stroke requires immediate hospitalization of the patient.
In the hospital, the diagnosis is supplemented by:
- clinical and biochemical analysis of blood and urine;
- cardiogram, electroencephalogram;
- angiography of brain vessels;
- computed tomography;
- MRI;
- ultrasound examination;
- survey of specialized specialists - otolaryngologist, ophthalmologist, therapist, endocrinologist.
Acute ischemic stroke: treatment
Treatment of ischemic stroke of the brain is aimed at restoring blood supply to the areas of the brain located in the affected area, removing swelling, normalizing the pressure and functions of the affected organs and systems.
For this use:
- means that help thin the blood and dissolve blood clots (anticoagulants, aspirin);
- diuretic drugs;
- medications that stabilize pressure;
- drugs that improve brain nutrition;
- antioxidants;
- drugs that restore blood vessels - angioprotectors.
Therapeutic measures begin immediately after the diagnosis is made, as a rule, by emergency teams.
Long-term treatment of the consequences of an ischemic stroke is often required. It is most favorable to take restorative courses in sanatoriums. Patients often require outside supervision.
You can find more detailed information about treatment after an ischemic stroke on the portal of our clinic: Dobrobut.com.
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