Ischemic stroke is one of two main types of stroke. It is simply a brain attack. It occurs when the flow of blood to an area of the brain is blocked, which can cause the death of brain cells and brain tissue. Blood carries oxygen and other nutrients that the brain depends on, so when the blood flow stops, certain parts of the brain aren’t getting the nutrients and oxygen they need; thus, they die. As a result, certain functions of the body that are controlled by those particular nerve cells may lose their ability to perform. In many cases, stroke causes death.
Ischemic stroke is more common than hemorrhagic stroke (the other main type of stroke) but is less fatal. Ischemic stroke is the main type of stroke. An ischemic stroke is caused when an artery supplying blood to the brain is blocked, which results in less blood flowing to the brain. Ischemic strokes are much more common, as approximately 80 percent of all strokes are ischemic. There are several different of types of ischemic strokes, including embolic infarct, thrombotic infarct, and lacunar infarct. There are also types of ischemic stroke that happen due to undetermined causes. These types of undetermined ischemic strokes make up a whopping 30 percent of cases of ischemic stroke.
Embolic Infarct
Embolic infarct is a type of ischemic stroke that happens when a blood clot forms in a part of the body, travels through the bloodstream, and obstructs a blood vessel in the brain, which causes brain tissue death due to lack of blood. These happen suddenly and quickly in the body. Cardiac embolism is when a blood clot forms in the heart. These account for 20-30 percent of ischemic strokes.
Thrombotic Infarct
Thrombotic infarct is a type of ischemic stroke that happens when a blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, which causes brain tissue death. This type develops over time as a result of plaque build-up in the arteries, and they account for about 10-15 percent of cases.
Lacunar Infarct
Lacunar infarct is a type of ischemic stroke that happens when arteries are blocked due to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This type of stroke is the most easily predictable. This type is about twenty percent of cases.
Symptoms of Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke is a major cause of permanent disability or even death. It is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. The following symptoms of stroke are warning signs that let you know if you may be experiencing a stroke. If these symptoms happen suddenly, please seek emergency medical attention.
– Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, and leg on one side of the body
– Sudden confusion
– Sudden loss of vision or dimness, particularly in one eye
– Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden falls
– Difficulty with walking and loss of balance or coordination
– Severe headache without knowing why
– Difficulty speaking or understanding words spoken to you
– Temporary strokes that may occur within days or even months before a major stroke, caused by temporary blood blockage to the brain by clots, lasting only a few minutes or a few hours
– Inability to recognize familiar things
– Vertigo (sensation of the world spinning around)
– Difficulty swallowing
– Randomly sleepy, lethargic, or even unconscious
Ischemic Stroke Treatment
Within the first three hours of an ischemic stroke, treatment is given by inserting a clot- busting drug called t-PA into the body, which reaches the brain and directly dissolves the blood clot. Once the clot is dissolved, damage to the brain is limited or stopped. This treatment is only effective in the first three hours of an ischemic stroke.
After three hours, due to the risk of hemorrhaging, standard stroke treatment is administered. This includes maintaining normal blood pressure and improving blood flow by preventing persistent clots. Medication is issued to accomplish lowering the blood pressure and preventing clots from forming or growing. If this treatment doesn’t work, a procedure may be done that removes the blood clot from the artery to allow blood flow.