Stroke Welcome to the Affordable Drugs stroke information page. Strokes are sometimes referred to as brain strokes. The information on strokes contained on this page is intended for stroke patients and their families who are looking to educate themselves about stroke. Here you can learn about stroke signs, stroke treatments, stroke causes, stroke therapy, etc. You can even find the best prices available on stroke medications. The information contained on this page is not intended to replace the professional advice of your physician.
What Is Stroke? A stroke is a health condition that will most likely affect the life of someone you know at some point in your lifetime. What is stroke?
Stroke, or more correctly named, a cerebrovascular accident, (usually shortened to CVA) is a condition that occurs when the body's blood supply is cut off to the brain. This causes the death of brain cells, which is what takes place in any body part when the blood supply which carries oxygen to the tissue is taken away.
The brain has four blood vessels which supply it. The front circulation contains the areas that are in control of your activity, muscle control and movement, while the speech, emotion and sensations are fed by the carotid arteries. The back or posterior circulatory system gives nutrients and oxygen to the brainstem, which controls those parts of your body which function on auto pilot, such as breathing and other things.
What is stroke? Stroke is what takes place when the blood which is carrying nutrients and oxygen, can't reach the brain, and the brain cells begin to die. The blood supply can be disrupted, causing a stroke, in a variety of ways.
One way in which the blood supply to the brain can be disrupted is the narrowing of the lumen that carries the blood. The smaller arteries which are inside the brain are blocked off. This is what is known as a lacunar stroke. In some cases just a single arteriole may be blocked which is sufficient to cause the tissue to die.
A second method by which the brain can be deprived of blood, nutrients and oxygen is by atherosclerosis. The arteries harden, which means that again, the blood supply can not get through to the brain. What is stroke causation in this case is the lessening of blood supply due to a very thin stream being permitted into the brain. If any part of the artery becomes narrow then the blood flow may not be sufficient to let the brain have what it needs to survive. This also is a type of stroke.
In other cases, fatty deposits or other debris can come loose from the wall of the artery and float free in the blood. It may then lodge again, in a more narrow area, completely occluding the blood supply. An embolism from another body area is another way in which the brain may lose the blood supply. A tiny bit of substance, usually a blood clot will break loose and block an artery. This can also cause a stroke. These type strokes are usually more severe than the lacunar variety.
An arterial rupture or bleeding that takes place in the brain is the most often seen reason for a stroke. This can be caused by high blood pressure which is not well controlled.
In all instances, the stroke causes a lack of blood, which carries oxygen and glucose to the brain. This is always a serious situation and calls for immediate action.
What is Stroke? Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States.
Stroke Symptoms As a potentially life threatening emergency condition, the symptoms of a stroke are indicators of a possibly very serious health problem, and accordingly, should be taken seriously. As a rule of thumb, the risk of a stroke increases with every consecutive decade after 55 years of age. Additionally, family history of a stroke or stroke conditions in addition to previous heart attacks, etc. will increase the potential risk for having a stroke. Stroke symptoms are generally uniform in their onset in two possible forms of strokes and stroke symptoms. Common stroke symptoms often include one or more of the following warning signs. The first of these is a halved body paralysis, in that one side of the body (the side opposite that of the brain side affected) experiences a paralysis, numbness, or immobility in bodily appendages or face. Additionally, an impaired vision manifesting itself in the form of blurred, dual vision, or even vision loss can indicate an impending stroke. Along with these symptoms of stroke, one's may also be accompanied by a sudden, unknown or unprovoked headache that cannot be explained. Not uncommon among these symptoms are also, sloppy or undiscernable speech or communication confusion, along with impaired motor skills such as: difficulty walking, disorientation, and dizziness. Also, in the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, or a stroke that involves bleeding in the brain, can be discernible through additional symptoms, including vomiting or nausea, convulsions, seizures, or stiffness in the neck. Ischemic Strokes, or those involving a blocked blood vessel(usually a clot), typically occur in the side of the body opposite that of the brain being affected. For instance, paralysis in the right side of the body, when the left side of the brain is being denied the transportation of blood because of the clot. Stroke symptoms can often progress over a period of time. Symptoms of stroke, also often follow a stepped progression of sorts in intensity and severity. Certain symptoms of stroke may even evolve over hours or days. Regardless, upon acknowledgement of the onset of a stroke, time becomes vital as every second that the brain is exposed to adverse conditions results in the death of additional brain cells. Even the most mild of stroke symptoms should not be confused as normal aging results. If you are ever unsure, stroke symptoms should always be taken very seriously, as if they actually were signs of a stroke.. Time is of the essence even after the very first symptoms of stroke surface, and all of the time dismissed creates a situation that is much more dangerous in the event of an actual stroke.
Stroke Causes Because blood is the delivery system for carrying oxygen to the brain, any alteration in the supply can result in a stroke. A stroke may be caused by some obstacle in the bloodstream cutting off the flow, such as a clot, or by a ruptured vessel which leaks the oxygen laden blood into other surrounding areas.
One cause of a stroke is when plaque begins to pack the walls of the vessels in the heart, neck, or brain, and narrows them so significantly that the blood flow is slowed. This forces a clot to develop. The blood clot then prevents the flow of oxygen to the brain, and cells without oxygen begin to die very quickly. High cholesterol and triglycerides play a big role in the process of plaque development and should be checked regularly. Over seventy-five percent of strokes are caused by clogged arteries.
Sometimes a stroke is caused by a blood clot generating straight from the heart. In this case, it is usually caused by a problem created by an abnormal heartbeat. When the upper chambers of the heart do not beat in rhythm, the resulting poor circulation can lead to the formation of a blood clot called an embolus. When the embolus rushes through the bloodstream to the brain, which has smaller arteries, it can block a vessel and cause a loss of oxygen to the brain.
A stroke can also be caused when blood is diverted from its destination by a rupture in an artery. Whether the vessel develops a slow leak or a large break, the resulting loss of oxygen rich blood is catastrophic to brain cells. Hemorrhages of this type may be caused by weak places in the arteries or by blood pressure that is significantly higher than normal. Because high blood pressure forces the arteries to work harder over time causing them to become less flexible and more prone to leaking, it is one of the leading causes of strokes.
A few people actually have a congenital birth defect called an arteriovenous malformation which can cause a stroke later in life. This is where several weakened blood vessels are matted together and are subject to rupture at any time. Whatever the contributing factors are that precipitate a stroke, stroke causes over 150,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
Stroke Recovery A stroke can have long-lasting ill-effects on a person's mental and physical health. Therefore, it is very important to take necessary preventive measures after it. Proper medication and a healthful lifestyle can make recovery quick and easy in this case. It should be remembered that the appropriate doctor to deal with stroke related issues is a neurologist. The family of the patient should be particularly attentive and careful about ensuring that the best treatment regime for stroke rehabilitation is being followed during this crucial time.
Stroke recovery, also known as stroke rehabilitation, pertains with the processes involved in helping the patients afflicted with disabling strokes to get back to their normal lives as soon as possible, through effective stroke therapy. The entire procedure of recovery includes helping the patients regain and relearn everything that's required in daily life. An entire team of nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and language and speech therapists combined with a physician trained in stroke therapy medication, are employed to bring back stroke patients to their normal selves. Many social workers, psychologists and pharmacists also like to be a part of the stroke recovery process.
Stroke Recovery mostly takes place in phases. It happens over a period of time varying from a few weeks to even a few years. The extent of damage to the brain varies with different strokes. However, the few phases of stroke therapy or stroke rehabilitation that a patient of stroke can generally expect to go through are:
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy or OT is a kind of stroke therapy that deals with training the patients to get acquainted with everyday activities again. These activities, which are also known as ADLs or Activities of daily living, include simple steps such as eating, drinking, showering, using the toilet, dressing, reading, writing, and cooking.
Therapeutic recreation
Therapeutic recreation or TR works by helping stroke patients in solving simple problems, enhancing their movement, and letting them re-enter the community through new and adaptive leisurely ways.
Speech Language Pathology
Language and speech therapy is important for those stroke patients who have difficulty in being able to understand other people's speech or writing. The process is also undertaken to deal with problems related to cognitive loss and speech formation. Speech therapists begin their treatment by assessing a person's ability to swallow food safely, after a stroke.
Vocational Rehabilitation
While psychologists provide necessary assistance in teaching patients various strategies to let them cope with their illness, vocational rehabilitation therapists work directly with them and their employers to make it simple for the patients to return to work.
The stroke recovery team keeps having periodic meetings with the family of the patients to discuss their progress by facilitating effective communication. They work with the goal of enabling the stroke patient to be able to return to independent living as swiftly as possible. Their endeavors may not always be successful, but there are good chances of observing substantial improvements in the patients, over a period of time. A stroke is certainly a scary experience to go through, but recovery does happen in most of the cases. Putting in a little bit of faith in the procedure of stroke rehabilitation can bring miraculous results in a critical scenario like this.
Mini-Strokes What Is The Difference Between a Mini-Stroke and a Stroke?
What separates a stroke from a mini-stroke, also known as Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), is essentially the length of time the attack lasts. While a regular stroke has symptoms that last 24 hours or longer, the symptoms of a TIA typically only last from a few minutes up to an hour. By definition, symptoms of a TIA may last up to 24 hours but not longer. If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours then the incident is categorized as a stroke. Patients who suffer a mini-stroke will remain conscious during the episode. Unlike a stroke, there tends to be no long-term injury to the brain when a TIA occurs. However, if the lack blood supply lasts long enough permanent damage to nerve cells is possible. When specialists observe the brain which has suffered a stroke compared to a mini-stroke, it is often difficult to decipher which is which. This suggests while mini-strokes cause temporary symptoms, it is still feasible for a TIA can cause permanent damage.
How Does a Mini-Stroke Develop?
A mini-stroke occurs when there is a deficit of oxygen rich blood to a part of the brains 100 billion neutrons. Blood travels across collective blood vessels to all parts of the brain and can become blocked by cholesterol plaques or blood clots. When either occurs it leaves discrete brain areas fleetingly disconnected from the blood supply. The resulting lack of nutrients and oxygen is known as ischemia. Neurons located in ischemic areas starve and quickly stop functioning.
What are Symptoms of a Mini-Stroke?
It is critical to recognize the warning signs of a mini-stroke, as the symptoms can mimic those of a regular stroke. The difference is that the symptoms of TIA are temporary. Sudden weakness or numbness in arms, legs, face, and one side of the body are the most common symptoms. Abrupt confusion, difficulty speaking, and understanding, vision impairment in one or both eyes, and dizziness accompanied by loss of balance are all indications of a mini-stroke. If these symptoms occur, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately. TIAs are predictors of a stroke, and early treatment could prevent a disabling or fatal stroke. Studies show mini-strokes can increase the odds of a stroke by 50% in the three months that follow. Of those, 20% were fatal, and two thirds were disabling, especially in those who suffer from diabetes. Mini-strokes that last longer than ten minutes have a high risk of suffering from speech impairment.
How is a Mini-Stroke Diagnosed and Treated?
A physical examination and a review of medical history may be all that is needed to diagnose a TIA. Further testing such as Cranial MRIs and Cranial CT scans can show if there is bleeding on the brain. The diagnosis will determine the treatment of a mini-stroke. While patients generally recover, it is still important to follow-up with a medical professional as mini-strokes can be warning signs of a stroke.
Stroke Treatments Stroke treatments are most effective if done within the first couple hours of the onset of the stroke. The sooner you can see a doctor, the greater your chance at survival. This is because a doctor can give you an injectable medication known as Tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA). T-PA is injected into your bloodstream and works its way to the blood clot to break it up. Another treatment, called intra-arterial thrombolysis, is an injection of t-PA directly into the blood clot.
The best stroke treatments are stroke prevention methods. Since more than 80 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes, which are completely preventable, you can prevent blood clots by reducing your cholesterol. For some people, this can be accomplished through appropriate diet and exercise. For others, medication is the best way to prevent a stroke. Some common medicines that can prevent stroke are listed:
- Antiplatelets helps prevent blood cells from sticking together. Aspirin is the most common, but those who cannot tolerate aspirin can take any doctor prescribed stoke preventative medicine, usually Plavix� or Ticlid�. Aspirin can be taken together with Plavix or any other anitplatelets, but be sure to tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medications you are taking. Here is a list of antiplatelet medication:
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is used as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory medicine, fever reducer, and antiplatelet. Aspirin can be used as a long-term treatment of strokes, and heart attacks in low does.
Plavix� (Clopidogrel) works by inhibiting a receptor that helps link platelets together. By doing so, Plavix� helps prevent these platelets from sticking together.
Aggrenox� and Persantine� (Dipyridamole) helps prevent blood platelets from sticking together by inhibiting a different type of receptor that links platelets together. Dipyridamole medications also helps release more t-PA from brain cells.
Ticlid� (Ticlopidine) helps prevent blood clots and can be used in combination with Aspirin in certain situations. Doctors tend to prescribe Ticlid� when a patient is unable to take Aspirin.
- Anticoagulants prevent protein production that can lead to blood clots. Anticoagulants are generally used when preventing a stroke that could be caused from a heart attack or other heart condition. If you have coronary artery disease or high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs known as satins. These types of medications can slow down atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries. Here is a list of anitcoagulant medication:
Coumadin� (Warfarin) decreases blood coagulation by inhibiting an enzyme that reduces vitamin K.
Calciparine� and Liquaemin� (Heparin) is a naturally-occurring anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. It does so by inactivating coagulation proteins from blood.
Stroke prevention depends on what type you are at risk for or have suffered in the past. Be sure to ask your doctor if these or other medications may be right for you.
|
