A cerebrovascular accident, also known as a brain stroke, is a condition in which there is an interruption in blood supply to the brain, resulting in brain cell injury. This disruption may result from a blood vessel rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) or an ischemic stroke, which is a blockage in the blood vessels. Depending on which part of the brain is damaged, brain stroke disease can cause a variety of symptoms, such as sudden, intense headaches, trouble speaking or comprehending speech, and weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. For stroke victims, prompt medical intervention is essential to reducing brain damage and improving their prognosis.
In this blog, we will understand the best treatments required after a brain stroke disease. But, before understanding the treatments, we need to know the different brain stroke types as they require different treatment procedures.
Types of Strokes Affecting People Worldwide
Brain stroke Diseases can be classified into two broad categories:
Hemorrhagic Stroke
This kind of stroke happens when a blood artery bursts or leaks, allowing blood to enter or surround the brain tissue. Approximately 13% of all strokes are hemorrhagic strokes, which are further divided into subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the region between the brain and its surrounding membrane) and intracerebral hemorrhage (blood within the brain tissue).
Ischemic Stroke
An artery supplying blood to the brain is blocked or narrowed by a blood clot, which lowers blood flow and ultimately results in this kind of stroke. A thrombotic stroke occurs when a clot forms in an artery supplying the brain, whereas an embolic stroke occurs when a clot travels from another region of the body and settles in a brain artery. Ischemic strokes make up around 87% of all strokes.
The 3 Best Treatments for Different Types of Strokes
The way a stroke, a dreadful brain disease, is treated is influenced by several variables. The type of stroke a patient experiences is the most significant aspect in defining their course of therapy.
Hemorrhagic
Treatment for hemorrhagic strokes is contingent upon the extent and site of the bleeding. Here are the three best ways to treat hemorrhagic stroke.
- Brain Surgery: There are times when ruptured blood arteries in the brain require immediate surgical repair to remove the blood. A brain surgery called a craniotomy is typically performed in such situations. To get access to the bleeding source, a craniotomy is performed which involves the removal of a portion of the skull.
- Shunt: Hydrocephalus, which is a severe consequence of hemorrhagic strokes, can potentially be treated with surgical methods. Cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain's ventricles as a result of damage from a stroke, resulting in symptoms including headaches, nausea, sleepiness, and vomiting. One way to treat hydrocephalus is to drain the fluid from the brain by inserting a tube known as a shunt.
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: This is a non-invasive procedure for treating hemorrhagic stroke. This treatment involves using radiation that causes shrinkage and scarring, thus decreasing the risk of bleeding.
Ischemic
Restoring blood flow to the damaged brain regions is of utmost importance in cases of ischemic strokes. Sometimes, if this occurs quickly enough, the irreparable damage might be avoided, or at least the severity of a stroke can be reduced. The following are the commonly used treatments for ischemic stroke.
- Thrombolysis: Injecting alteplase breaks up blood clots and starts blood flow again in the brain. This is a common treatment for ischemic strokes. The term "thrombolysis" refers to the application of clot-busting medication.
- Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants work by altering the blood's chemical makeup in a way that hinders the formation of blood clots.
- Carotid Endarterectomy: Narrowing of the carotid artery, a neck artery that supplies blood to the brain, is a contributing factor in some ischemic strokes. Fatty plaque accumulation is considered the cause of the narrowing which is referred to as carotid stenosis. The artery may need to be surgically unblocked if the carotid stenosis is severe, and this process is known as carotid endarterectomy.
Conclusion
A brain stroke disease is a dangerous medical disorder marked by an abrupt stoppage of blood supply to the brain that may have dire repercussions. Certain neurological deficiencies such as paralysis, difficulty speaking, and cognitive impairment can arise from it. The timely identification of symptoms and prompt medical action are essential for reducing harm and enhancing results. The key to prevention is making lifestyle changes like eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and controlling risk factors like diabetes and hypertension. Ultimately, combating the catastrophic effects of brain stroke requires raising public awareness, early identification, and access to quality medical care.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- What is a stroke?
Answer:- It is a medical situation where the brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nourishment due to diminished or stopped blood flow to a portion of the brain.
- What are the common symptoms of a stroke?
Answer:- The common symptoms might include abrupt weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body, disorientation, difficulty speaking or comprehending speech, abrupt visual problems, dizziness, loss of equilibrium or coordination, and excruciating headache.
- How can strokes be diagnosed
Answer:- The diagnosis of a stroke involves certain MRI or CT scans along with some blood tests.
- What are the main types of stroke?
Answer:- Strokes can be classified into two main categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
- Can stroke be prevented?
Answer:- Yes, strokes can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle and avoiding bad habits like various types of addictions.