Brain Stroke

A stroke is the brain’s version of a heart attack.

Overview

Symptoms

Risk factors

Treatment

Prevention

What is a brain stroke?

It occurs when there is a problem with blood flow to a portion of the brain. Strokes are a potentially fatal emergency for which prompt medical intervention is essential to avert irreversible harm or death.

There are two main types of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, occurring when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding.

Stroke symptoms

It’s critical to identify stroke symptoms in order to act quickly to treat them. In the case, you suspect someone is having a stroke, recall the FAST acronym:

– FACE: Request a smile from them. Does their face sag on one side?

– ARMS: Request that the individual lift both arms. Does one arm sag to the side?

– SPEECH: Request that the person repeat a short phrase. Do they have incoherent or slurred speech?

– TIME: If you observe any of these signs, time is critical. Call emergency services immediately.

Risk Factors

Patients who are at a higher risk of stroke may have some pre existing medical conditions such as:

Heart disease
High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Senior Citizens
Individuals with a family history of stroke

Treatment

The reversibility or manageability of the effects of a stroke depends on the immediacy of the treatment given. In many situations stroke surgery is an essential intervention.

The particular advantages vary depending on the kind of stroke and the type of surgery.

For Ischemic Stroke (due to a thrombus)

Thrombectomy: This treatment clears a blood clot from a significant brain artery. If carried out promptly, it can greatly enhance brain function and lessen impairment.

For hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding-related)

Craniotomy: To reach the bleeding location and halt the blood flow, a portion of the skull is removed. It is frequently applied to treat arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and aneurysms. In order to treat aneurysms, two methods are used: either a clip is placed at the aneurysm’s base, or coils are inserted within to keep it from rupturing.

General Benefits of Surgery

Reduced Brain Damage: By removing a blood clot or controlling blood flow, surgery can reduce the amount of brain damage.
Prevent further damage: In cases of aneurysms or AVM, surgery can reduce the risk of bleeding or another stroke.
Better functioning: By restoring blood flow to the brain, surgery can improve physical and mental function after a stroke.

Experience dedicated care with Dr. Ananth Egoor. Book an appointment to discuss your treatment goals.

Prevention

While there are some risk factors that you may not be manageable, like family history. One can lower their risk of a stroke greatly by trying to maintain appropriate levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar