What is a stroke?
A stroke is also called cerebrovascular accident or CVA. It happens when the brain blood supply is interrupted and brain cells stops working. Stroke affects the arteries of the brain and it is the 5th leading cause of death or disability in the United States.
This condition can be ischemic due to a lack of blood flow or hemorrhagic because of brain tissue bleeding. A stroke is such a serious condition that can cause permanent disability or death. It is a medical emergency condition and It is necessary to start the treatment within a few hours after the having stroke symptoms.
Symptoms of Stroke
The Signs of Stroke require immediate attention:
- Confusion
- Difficulty with speaking (Slurred speech)
- Trouble with understanding
- Numbness or paralysis of the leg, arm, and face
- Trouble seeing with both eyes or blurred vision with both eyes
- Sudden and severe headache
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Consciousness
- Trouble with walking
- Loss of balance
- Loss of coordination
When to see a cardiology doctor or cardiologist?
The symptoms of stroke may come and go. They usually fluctuate or disappear. If you observe or notice any signs and symptoms of stroke, you must consult your physician and seek immediate medical attention.
Risk factors of stroke
There are many causes or risk factors of stroke. However, most common risk factors include
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Medication
- Age
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking (tobacco)
- Family history
- Race
Types of Stroke
The following are the types of stroke
Ischemic Stroke
This type of stroke is responsible for almost 80% of all stroke cases. It is the most common type of stroke. A blood clot or blockage within the artery of the brain is the primary cause of ischemic stroke.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
This type of stroke is mostly caused by the unexpected rupture of an artery within the brain. Leaking of blood occurs in the brain compressing the structure of the brain.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is also caused by the sudden rupture of an artery. The location of the rupture is different from an intracerebral hemorrhage. The rupture of arteries causes blood filling the space surrounding the brain.
Diagnosis of stroke
The doctor can diagnose stroke either by asking you or your family members about the symptoms. Then by taking your personal and medical history to know about the risk factors. Other measures they take include
- Asking about your current medications
- Monitor your blood pressure
Your doctor can also do a physical examination to evaluate the following things
- Balance
- Vision issues
- Weakness
- Signs of confusion
- Coordination
- Numbness in your arms, face, or legs
To determine the number of other conditions, your doctor can also do certain tests for diagnosing a stroke. These tests will help in giving information about causative agents of stroke, affected part of the brain, and about the bleeding in the brain.
Tests to diagnose strokes
To diagnose a stroke, your doctor may perform different tests. These tests confirm the stroke or rule out any other condition.
Blood tests
It is the simple and most common test for diagnosing various conditions. Blood tests can determine the risk of infections, sugar levels, platelet count, and clotting of blood.
MRI and CT scan
Both a computerized tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can help in diagnosing stroke.
They check any signs of damaging of brain tissues or cells. A CT scan can also observe any signs of bleeding or damaging of the brain. They can also show other brain conditions and well.
Carotid ultrasound
It locates and shows plaque or fatty deposits in your carotid arteries.
Echocardiogram
It locates the sources of clots in the heart. These clots may travel to your brain and caused a stroke.
EKG
It is a simple test that records the electrical activity in the heart. It determines heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation prior to heart attack that may cause a stroke.
Cerebral angiogram
This test can determine the condition of the arteries in your brain and neck. This shows clots or blockage that may cause symptoms.
Treatment of Stroke
The treatment option of stroke depends on the type of stroke. The following are the treatment options or procedures performed for stroke.
- Mechanical thrombectomy
- Stents
- Coiling
- Clamping
- Surgery
Stroke medications
Your doctor prescribes medications of stroke depends on the type of stroke. Medicines are prescribed to prevent the first attack of stroke or prevent the second stroke.
The common medicines prescribed for stroke include
- Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
- Blood pressure drugs
- Anticoagulants like warfarin
- Antiplatelet drugs, the most common antiplatelet drugs include aspirin and clopidogrel
- Statins Such as rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin
Prevention of a stroke
You can make changes to your life style to prevent a stroke. A healthy lifestyle is one of the best approaches to prevent the risk factors.
Control of alcohol consumption:
Reduce your alcohol intake. Alcohol consumption leads to hypertension.
Give up smoking
Tobacco is harmful to health and is the leading cause of various health conditions, including stroke, asthma, and COPD. Quitting smoking will reduce your risk of stroke to a great extent.
Control your weight
Keep your weight at a healthy level. Being obese or overweight increases your stroke risk. To help manage your weight:
Maintain a healthy weight or BMI. Obesity or overweight conditions increase the chances of stroke. You can manage your weight by
- Eating fresh vegetables and fruits
- Preventing high fatty meals or low cholesterol foods
- Involving in physical activity, that helps you to maintain a healthy weight and reduces cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well.
Regular checkups
Keep in touch with the doctor, and getting regular checkups helps you to stay healthy. You can follow the following steps to manage your health
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol
- Consult your doctor for modification of lifestyle
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for medicine-related help
- Discuss your heart problem with a doctor
- Manage your diabetes
To schedule a consultation with one of our cardiologists, please call us at (586) 698-1200 or schedule an appointment with a Cardiologist in Sterling Heights, Washington Township or Rochester Hills, Michigan.
