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Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and occurs when one of the vessels in the brain becomes obstructed, preventing the passage of blood. When this happens, the affected region does not receive oxygen and, therefore, cannot function normally, causing the appearance of symptoms such as difficulty in speaking, crooked mouth, loss of strength on one side of the body and changes in vision, for example.
Typically, this type of stroke is more common in the elderly or people who have some type of cardiovascular disorder, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, but it can happen at any person and age.
Since brain cells begin to die within minutes after blood circulation is interrupted, stroke is always considered a medical emergency, which should be treated as soon as possible in the hospital, in order to avoid serious sequelae, such as paralysis, brain changes and even death.
Main symptoms
The most characteristic symptoms, which may indicate that the person is suffering a stroke, include:
- Difficulty speaking or smiling;
- Crooked mouth and asymmetrical face;
- Loss of strength on one side of the body;
- Difficulty raising arms;
- Difficulty walking.
In addition, other symptoms may appear, such as tingling, vision changes, fainting, headache and even vomiting, depending on the affected region of the brain.
See how to identify a stroke and the first aid that should be done.
What is a Transient Ischemic Accident?
Stroke symptoms are persistent and persist until the person starts treatment at the hospital, however, there are also situations where the symptoms may disappear after a few hours, without any treatment.
These situations are known as "Transient Ischemic Accident", or TIA, and they happen when the stroke was caused by a very small clot that, however, was pushed by the blood circulation and stopped obstructing the vessel. In these episodes, in addition to symptom improvement, it is common for exams performed at the hospital to not show any type of alteration in the brain.
How to confirm the diagnosis
Whenever a stroke is suspected, it is very important to go to the hospital to confirm the diagnosis. Generally, the doctor uses imaging tests, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, to identify the blockage that is causing the stroke and thus initiate the most appropriate treatment.
What causes ischemic stroke
Ischemic stroke arises when one of the vessels in the brain becomes obstructed, so blood cannot pass through and feed brain cells with oxygen and nutrients. This obstruction can happen in two different ways:
- Clot block: it is more common in the elderly or people with heart problems, especially atrial fibrillation;
- Narrowing of the vessel: usually happens in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, as the vessels become less flexible and narrower, decreasing or preventing the passage of blood.
In addition, there are many other situations that increase the risk of developing a blood clot and suffering an ischemic stroke, such as having a family history of stroke, smoking, being overweight, not exercising or taking a contraceptive pill, for example.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for ischemic stroke is done at the hospital and usually starts with the injection of thrombolytic drugs directly into the vein, which are drugs that make the blood thinner and help eliminate the clot that is causing the blockage in the vessel.
However, when the clot is very large and is not eliminated only with the use of thrombolytics, it may be necessary to perform a mechanical thrombectomy, which consists of inserting a catheter, which is a thin and flexible tube, into one of the arteries of the groin or the neck, and guide it to the brain vessel where the clot is located. Then with the help of this catheter, the doctor removes the clot.
In cases where the stroke is not being caused by a clot, but by narrowing the vessel, the doctor can also use a catheter to place a stent in place, which is a small metal mesh that helps keep the vessel open, allowing the passage of blood.
After treatment, the person must always be under observation in the hospital and, therefore, it is necessary to stay in the hospital for a few days. During hospitalization, the doctor will assess the presence of sequelae and may indicate the use of medications to reduce these sequelae, as well as physiotherapy and speech therapy sessions. See the 6 most common sequelae after a stroke and how recovery is.
What is the difference between ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke?
Unlike ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke is more rare and happens when a vessel in the brain ruptures and, therefore, the blood cannot pass properly. Hemorrhagic stroke is more common in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, who are taking anticoagulants or have an aneurysm. Learn more about the two types of strokes and how to differentiate.