Ischemic stroke: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition of ischemic stroke

One of the most common types of stroke is ischemic stroke (ischemic stroke) . This type of stroke occurs when blood flow to the arteries in the brain becomes blocked. Therefore, this stroke is also known as a blockage stroke.

Ischemic stroke can result from the formation of a blood clot in another part of the body. However, the buildup of plaque in the arteries can also cause blockage because if it breaks it can form a blood clot.

In fact, the buildup of plaque which is also called atherosclerosis can also constrict blood vessels and reduce the volume of blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke.

This type of stroke is divided into two types, namely:

1. Embolic stroke

If a blood clot forms in another area of ​​the body, it can still travel through the bloodstream to the brain. Once inside the brain, the clot can enter a blood vessel that is too narrow.

This allows the clot to get stuck in it and block the flow of blood to the brain. Therefore, the blood flow that contains oxygen and nutrients needed by the brain will stop. This condition is known as an embolic stroke.

2. Thrombotic stroke

A thrombotic stroke occurs when blood flow through an artery leaves a "trail" in the form of cholesterol plaque that sticks to the artery wall. If left untreated, these plaques can enlarge and constrict to clog arteries.

Usually, the plaques that cause this stroke attach to the arteries in the neck, considering that blood flow to the brain must first pass through the blood vessels in the neck.

How common is ischemic stroke?

Compared to hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke is classified as more common. In fact, ischemic stroke does not only occur in adults or the elderly. This stroke can also occur in children.

Therefore, if your doctor is diagnosed with a non-hemorrhagic stroke, immediately get treatment according to the conditions to increase the effectiveness of the treatment and immediately undergo a recovery.

Ischemic stroke signs & symptoms

Usually, the symptoms of ischemic stroke occur suddenly. The following are some of the symptoms that need your attention, including:

• Loss of balance.
• The eyesight becomes blurred or even shaded.
• One side of the face drops off by itself (uncontrolled).
• One side of the body is numb so the patient has difficulty moving it.
• The ability to speak clearly was reduced.
• The ability to understand other people's words is reduced.

Not all signs or symptoms of ischemic stroke are listed above. If you or someone closest to you feels the symptoms of a stroke, immediately call the emergency services (112) or the Emergency Unit of the nearest hospital.

When to see a doctor?

Basically, both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes must be treated immediately by doctors and the medical team. Therefore, go to the doctor immediately if you or someone closest to you experience the following:

• The eyes suddenly darken, either partially or completely.
• Choking as food enters the respiratory tract or throat.
• Difficulty speaking and not understanding what other people are saying.
• Balance problems so that you cannot stand and fall easily.
• The arms and legs become stiff and cannot be stretched.
• Pain in the head that has never been felt before.
• Numbness, helplessness, or a sudden tingling feeling.

Causes of ischemic stroke

As mentioned earlier, ischemic stroke or it can also be referred to as an infarct stroke is the most common type of stroke.

Ischemic stroke occurs because of a blockage in a blood vessel. This may be caused by a blood clot that has formed in an artery and travels to the brain or one of the small blood vessels in the brain.

Even so, a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain can be caused by a blood clot traveling through the bloodstream from other parts of the body.

There are several conditions why a blockage can lead to ischemic stroke. Among others are:

1. Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis occurs when there is a buildup of plaque on the artery walls. This causes the arteries to harden and narrow, causing them to become blocked.

Sometimes, blood clots form because plaque in an artery breaks and travels to the brain and results in a stroke.

2. Small blood vessel disease

When the small blood vessels in the brain are damaged, you may have an ischemic stroke.

3. Atrial fibrillation and other heart diseases

Atrial fibrillation and various other heart problems can cause blood clots in the heart. However, the blood clot can leave the heart and travel to the brain via the bloodstream. If this happens, you may have an ischemic stroke.

4. COVID-19 infection

In fact, in some people, COVID-19 infection is thought to increase the potential for patients to experience an ischemic stroke. Even so, it still has to be studied further.

Ischemic stroke risk factors

There are several risk factors for ischemic stroke that you need to pay attention to and be aware of, such as the following.

• Being overweight or obese.
• The body rarely moves.
• Accustomed to consuming alcohol.
• Use of illegal drugs outside of a doctor's prescription.
• History of high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Smoking habits, or accustomed to secondhand smoke.
• High cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes.
• Sleep disturbance.
• Various heart diseases, including heart failure, heart infections (endocarditis), heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), and atrial fibrillation.
• Family history of stroke, heart attack, or transient ischemick attack (TIA) or what is commonly known as a mild stroke.
• COVID-19 infection.

Ischemic stroke diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests to detect this disease?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, making a diagnosis of the condition being experienced is an important thing that must be done immediately. Moreover, the diagnosis determines the type and location of the stroke.

The following are some of the types of tests that can be done to diagnose a stroke:

• Physical examination.
• Blood test.
• CT scan.
• MRI.
• Carotid ultrasound.
• Cerebral angiogram.
• Echocardiogram.

What are the treatment options for ischemic stroke?

If the doctor has determined that you or someone closest to you is having an ischemic stroke, the doctor will immediately provide treatment for ischemic stroke, such as:

1. Use of drugs

This condition can be overcome with the use of drugs. Therapy using drugs aimed at breaking blood clots can be done within 4.5 hours after initial symptoms appear.

The sooner this medicine is given, the better. Prompt and prompt treatment can increase the patient's potential for recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

One of the drugs that can be given within the first 4.5 hours after the symptoms of ischemic stroke appear are tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The use of this drug is one of the main treatments for patients experiencing ischemic stroke.

This medication can help restore blood flow by dissolving the blood clot that causes a stroke. By immediately addressing the cause of this disease, the patient will recover faster from his condition.

While using this drug, the doctor will also consider several risk factors, such as the possibility of bleeding in the brain to determine whether the use of this drug is safe for the patient.

Other drugs that can be used to treat this condition are anticoagulant drugs and anti-platelet drugs.

2. Endovascular procedures

Doctors usually treat blockage strokes with endovascular therapy. This medical procedure can improve the patient's condition as well as reduce the risk of losing bodily functions for a long time after a congestion stroke.

This procedure can be done in several ways. First, the doctor may give drugs directly to the brain. This is done by inserting a catheter through an artery found on the inner thigh.

Then the catheter is directed towards the brain to provide tPA directly in the area where the stroke occurred. Unlike the administration of tPA by injection, this drug can be given for a longer period of time, although it should not be too long from the time symptoms appear.

Second, the doctor can use a device that attaches to the catheter and immediately removes the blood clot in the artery in the brain. This method is very beneficial for people who have large arteries.

3. Other medical procedures

Carotid endarterectomy is an alternative medical procedure that can be performed to treat ischemic stroke. This operation is performed to remove cholesterol plaque that clogs the carotid arteries while reducing the risk of a blockage stroke.

Even so, this procedure is not necessarily suitable for all stroke sufferers. The problem is, not everyone who has heart problems can undergo this procedure.

There is also another procedure called an angioplasty. Usually, the doctor will insert a catheter through a blood vessel located on the inner thigh, then direct it to the carotid artery.

Then, a balloon will be inflated in the narrowed artery, the goal is to reopen the blood vessel so that it is not narrow and clogged again.

Ischemic stroke prevention

Stroke is considered a dangerous and deadly disease. At a more severe level, people who have had a stroke can die within seconds of symptoms appearing.

However, it does not mean that this condition cannot be prevented. Of course, just like any other disease that is no less serious, stroke is actually a disease that you can prevent from occurring.

Blockage stroke is one type of stroke that can be prevented from an early age. Do the following things to prevent ischemic stroke:

• Controlling high blood pressure.
• Reducing cholesterol levels in the body.
• Quit smoking.
• Regulate blood sugar levels in the body so they are not high.
• Maintain body weight so as not to overdo it.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Doing exercise regularly.
• Reducing alcohol intake.
• Overcoming the problem of difficulty sleeping experienced.
• Avoiding taking illegal drugs.