A stroke takes place when there is an interruption in the brain’s blood supply. This can happen due to a clot in an ischemic stroke or blood vessel or the rupture of a hemorrhagic stroke or blood vessel. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of all cases.
Ischemic stroke happens when a blood vessel supplies blood to the brain is blocked or narrowed. This blockage or narrowing is usually due to plaque buildup in the blood vessel (a process called atherosclerosis). Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque buildup narrows an artery, it is called stenosis.
Symptoms
A stroke is a medical emergency. It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. A stroke can cause problems with thinking, feeling, and moving. Knowing stroke signs and symptoms is essential so you can get help right away.
The most common symptom of ischemic stroke is sudden paralysis or weakness of the face, leg, or arm. This paralysis or weakness usually occurs on the body’s one side. Other symptoms may include:
-Sudden confusion or trouble understanding other people
-Sudden difficulty seeing in both or one eye
-Sudden loss of balance, difficulty walking, dizziness
-Sudden unknown cause for severe headache
-Weakness or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg
-Numbness or tingling in the face, arm, or leg
-Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
-Loss of balance or coordination
If you or someone you are with has any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 right away and go to the nearest hospital. Time is important! The faster you get medical treatment, the less damage to your brain.
Causes
Ischemic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked. There are many different causes of ischemic stroke, and it is important to be aware of the different risk factors. Some of the most common causes of ischemic stroke include:
-Atherosclerosis: This is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, and it can narrow or block the blood vessels.
-Emboli: These are pieces of debris that can travel through the bloodstream and block the blood vessels.
-Hemorrhagic stroke: This occurs when there is bleeding in or around the brain.
-Low blood pressure: This can cause the blood vessels to constrict and block the flow of blood to the brain.
-Ministroke: This is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. A ministroke can be a warning sign of a future ischemic stroke.
-High blood pressure: This can damage the blood vessels and lead to a stroke.
-Heart disease: Conditions such as atrial fibrillation, heart valve disease, and heart failure can increase the risk of stroke.
-Diabetes: This condition can damage the blood vessels and lead to a stroke.
-Medical conditions: There are a variety of medical conditions that can increase the risk of ischemic stroke, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Risk factors
Ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. It is the most common type of stroke, accounting for 87% of all strokes. Risk factors for ischemic stroke include:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Carotid artery disease
- Age: The risk of ischemic stroke increases with age.
- Gender: Men are at greater risk of ischemic stroke than women.
- Family history: Having a family member who has had a stroke increases your risk.
- Smoking: Smoking doubles the risk of ischemic stroke.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure is the leading cause of ischemic stroke.
- Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of ischemic stroke.
- High cholesterol: High cholesterol is a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
If you have
- Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of having a stroke.
Treatment for Ischemic Stroke
Medication Treatment with Alteplase IV r-tPA
Alteplase is a medication used to break up blood clots that obstruct blood flow to the brain. It is also known as r-tPA or tissue plasminogen activator. This medication is used to treat ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. The goal of alteplase treatment is to quickly dissolve the blood clot and restore blood flow to the brain. This medication is given through an IV, and the dose is based on the severity of the stroke. Treatment with alteplase is a time-sensitive process, so it is important to get to the hospital as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. If you’re looking for additional treatment options for ischemic stroke, you can check out stroke clinical trials at Power.
Mechanical Treatment to Remove the Clot
Mechanical treatment to remove the clot is a common treatment for ischemic stroke. This treatment is also called reperfusion therapy. It involves using a device to remove the clot and restore blood flow to the brain.
The most common device used for mechanical treatment is a clot retrieval device. This device is inserted into an artery in the neck and passed through to the brain. It is then used to remove the clot.