Brain Stroke

Brain Stroke

Brain Stroke- Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing

Just like a heart attack, your brain can also suffer a “stroke” due to lack or poor blood supply to the brain cells. This is often a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care. Failure to act fast in case of a stroke can lead to adverse life-threatening consequences. This article will help you understand stroke as we take you through its types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Understanding Stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when part of your brain does not receive enough blood flow. A blocked artery or abnormal bleeding in your brain is considered the most common cause of stroke. Lack of blood flow to the brain can cause oxygen deprivation in the affected part. Without oxygen, the affected brain cells stop working correctly, which hampers your bodily functions. If your brain cells go too long without oxygen, they will eventually die, causing permanent brain damage.

Stroke is a medical emergency; thus, time is critical in treating it. The quicker it is treated, the more likely you will recover without significant disability.

Symptoms

  • One-sided weakness (paralysis)
  • Aphasia (speaking disability)
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of muscle control on one side of your face
  • Complete or partial, sudden loss of senses like vision, hearing, smell, taste, or touch
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Loss of posture or coordination
  • Dizziness (vertigo)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Neck stiffness
  • Emotional instability
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Poor concentration
  • Frequent headaches
  • Fainting
  • Coma

Types of Stroke

Ischemic Stroke

This occurs due to deprivation of normal blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain cells. These are the most common and account for about 80% of all strokes.

Causes of poor blood supply to cells:

Hemorrhagic Stroke

These strokes occur due to bleeding in and around your brain.

Causes of bleeding

Stroke Treatment Options

Dr. Kaushal Deep Singh, a leading and highly skilled neurologist in Aligarh with extensive experience, offers a comprehensive approach to stroke diagnosis and management. With advanced technology and based on the type and severity of stroke, Dr Singh offers the following treatment options:

Ischemic Stroke

The top priority is to restore circulation to the affected brain areas. This is possible through certain types of medications called “thrombolytics,” which are clot-busting. These include aspirin or injection of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). However, these are helpful only when administered within three to four and a half hours after a stroke. Because of the specific timing, they increase the risk of bleeding complications. Mechanical thrombectomy is another option, which is best done within 24 hours after symptoms begin. The procedure involves inserting a catheter (thin hollow tube) into a major blood vessel and clearing up the clot mechanically through a tool at the tip of the catheter.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Reducing blood pressure is the top priority for hemorrhagic stroke to minimize the bleeding. Supporting hemostasis is a treatment option that helps alter your body’s clotting ability and stop bleeding. Examples include vitamin K therapy and prothrombin infusions. Severe cases may require surgery to relieve the pressure on your brain.

Stroke Recovery

The time taken for recovery after a stroke treatment varies from person to person. It can take weeks, months, or even years. You may recover fully or may have long-term or life-long disabilities based on the severity of the stroke. Learn more about stroke rehabilitation from Dr. Kaushal Deep Singh that involves specific therapies and support systems, including:

Speech Therapy

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Support Groups

Dr. Kaushal Deep Singh, a renowned neurologist in Aligarh, has the expertise to handle patients with stroke through a comprehensive and holistic approach. Dr. Singh enables you to sail through your recovery period smoothly, improving your quality of life.

FAQs

Stroke can be caused due to the following factors:

  • Atherosclerosis
  • Clotting disorders
  • Heart defects (atrial or ventricular septal defect)
  • Microvascular ischemic disease
  • Dangerously high blood pressure
  • Brain aneurysms
  • Brain tumors

Related conditions like:

  • Alcohol abuse
  • Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
  • Migraine headaches
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Drug abuse

A stroke disrupts the blood flow to a part of your brain. Depending on the type of stroke, it can last between a few minutes to several days.

A stroke can be diagnosed through brain CT scans and MRI to check for bleeding inside the brain and the extent of damage caused to the brain cells.

There may be an indirect link between your heart, brain, and stress. Chronic stress can increase the load on your heart, causing elevated blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels. This can increase your risk of clot formation and embolism, leading to brain stroke.

Yes, stroke can be severe enough to be fatal and cause death right away.