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Understanding Ischemic Stroke: Causes and Treatment
Strokes are among the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. A stroke can be classified mainly into two types: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery to the brain, while a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain.
Understanding the differences and the nuances of an ischemic stroke can be crucial for early detection and treatment. Let’s delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatments of ischemic stroke.
Ischemic Stroke vs. Hemorrhagic Stroke
Ischemic strokes are far more common than hemorrhagic strokes, accounting for about 87% of all cases. In an ischemic stroke, blood vessels that supply blood to the brain get blocked due to clots or the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, occur when a weakened blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Ischemic Stroke
Several factors can increase the risk of an ischemic stroke. Common causes include:
- High blood pressure: This is the leading cause of stroke and is critical in causing ischemic changes in blood vessels.
- Heart disease: Conditions such as atrial fibrillation can cause clots to form in the heart and travel to the brain.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time, making clots more likely to form.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can damage blood vessels and make clot formation more likely.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and atherosclerosis—all risk factors for stroke.
Ischemic Stroke Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of an ischemic stroke can be lifesaving. The most common symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech (aphasia).
- Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
- The acronym FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call emergency services) can help you remember the signs.
Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment
The goal of treating an ischemic stroke is to restore blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible. Treatments include:
- Medication: Drugs like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can dissolve the blood clot. For the best outcomes, tPA must be administered within a few hours of symptom onset.
- Endovascular procedures: These may involve removing the clot using a stent retriever or administering medication directly to the area of the blockage.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the clot or to prevent future strokes.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After the initial treatment, rehabilitation is crucial to recovery. The type of rehabilitation will depend on the severity of the stroke and the areas of the brain affected. It typically includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support.
Ischemic Stroke ICD-10 Coding
For medical coding purposes, ischemic stroke is classified under the ICD-10 codes I63.9 for cerebral infarction, unspecified, and I64.x for stroke, not specified as haemorrhage or infarction.
Preventing Ischemic Stroke
Prevention is always better than cure, and it holds for ischemic stroke. Managing underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
Understanding the causes and treatment options for ischemic cerebrovascular accident is critical. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, remember to act FAST and seek immediate medical attention.
Have you or a loved one experienced an ischemic stroke? Share your story in the comments to help others understand this condition.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
In an ischemic stroke, a blockage in a blood vessel reduces blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain tissue damage and potentially permanent neurological deficits.
Ischemic stroke is typically caused by a blood clot that obstructs a blood vessel supplying the brain, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery, resulting in brain tissue damage.
The main types of ischemic stroke include thrombotic strokes, caused by a blood clot forming in a narrowed artery; and embolic strokes, caused by a clot travelling to the brain from elsewhere in the body.
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