A disease that "gets younger": ischemic stroke

As sad as it may sound, according to statistics, 53% of people die from ischemic stroke. The disease is very insidious and does not spare either the young or the elderly. In this article, we will talk about ischemic stroke and how to prevent this terrible disease.

Causes of ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke - damage to the brain due to impaired or deficient blood circulation. Damage to parts of the brain occurs due to a torn off blood clot or atherosclerotic plaque.

In addition to the main causes, there are indirect factors that lead to ischemic stroke:

• congenital heart defects;
• arrhythmia;
• myocardiopathy;
• atherosclerosis;
• arterial hypertension;
• osteochondrosis;
• obesity;
• diabetes;
• alcohol addiction;
• smoking;
• syphilis;
• AIDS;
• hepatitis;
• oral contraceptives;
• prolonged stress;
• increased blood clotting;
• high blood pressure;
• frequent lingering migraines;
• heredity.

If you have marked at least one item on this list that you or your relatives have, then be sure to visit a doctor to monitor your health.

By the way, the likelihood of acquiring a disease through a hereditary line increases. Therefore, be sure to clarify the diagnoses of the next of kin for the prevention of ischemic stroke on your part.

Ischemic stroke symptoms

The first precursors of ischemic stroke are:

• sharp headache;
• nausea;
• rare pulse;
• dizziness;
• sweating

In these cases, call an ambulance immediately. While the medical team is on their way to you, ask the patient to smile, say their name, and raise their hands.

When a person smiles, asymmetry is visible, speech is slowed down and any word is hardly pronounced, only one hand is raised - clear signs of a stroke.

By the way, the first symptoms can appear a day, or even two before the onset of obvious ones. Therefore, you should not delay calling a doctor. It is important to prevent the approach of the no-return point, as death can occur instantly.

In rare cases, the following signs of the disease are observed:

• confusion of consciousness;
• redness of the cheeks and neck;
• foggy or distracted gaze;
• weakness in the arms and legs;
• a sharp jump in pressure;
• misunderstanding of what is happening.

A positive effect in recovery is calling an ambulance and providing medical assistance in the first three hours after the onset of a stroke. If this is not done on time, the treatment may be delayed.

The worst thing about this disease is relapse. With inappropriate treatment, recurrence ischemic stroke in 90% of cases, it is fatal.

Treatment of ischemic stroke

First aid is also a treatment, since the measures taken will help reduce the risk of side diseases.

Pre-hospital stage of first aid:

• Remove objects that squeeze breathing from the patient - a chain, tie, etc.
• Open the oxygen supply window. At this point, oxygen supply to the damaged parts of the brain is very important.
• Raise the body to a height of 25-30 cm. Such measures are aimed at preventing cerebral edema.
• In case of convulsions, remove all objects around the patient. Press the tongue with a spoon to avoid biting.
• If the heart has stopped - artificial respiration and chest compressions.

Remember the approximate time of the onset of the stroke. Tell your doctor about it, as the most effective treatment is considered to be in the "therapeutic window" - 3 hours. At this point, intensive therapy is carried out, aimed at eliminating complications.

After admission to the intensive care unit, the patient undergoes the following actions:

• body temperature measurement;
• elimination of headaches;
• preventing seizures only if present;
• the introduction of sodium chloride to maintain water and electrolyte balance;
• pressure measurement;
• control over cardiac activity;
• measuring blood glucose levels;
• oxygen therapy as prescribed by a doctor.

The pressure decreases only in emergency cases, otherwise a relapse is possible.

The main thing in treatment is to restore blood circulation in the brain and prevent blood clots by thinning the blood.

Depending on the severity of the disease, the doctor may prescribe extended treatment for pneumonia, pressure sores, inflammation.

Many hospitals are not provided with special devices. Consult your doctor, buy a special anti-decubitus mattress.

In the first week, any movement is contraindicated for the patient. Therefore, provide moral and physical peace. The rest will be done by the doctors.

Recovery from ischemic stroke

The terms of rehabilitation depend on the severity of the complications received.

But there are a number of rules that must be followed when restoring:

• Early rehabilitation. But first, check with your doctor. The success of recovery largely depends on the first positive dynamics.
• A gradual rehabilitation program. First, passive tactics are applied, i.e. massage,gymnastics... Then active physical activity is introduced - simulators, physiotherapy exercises.
• Comprehensive restoration. Not only physical exercises are conducted, but also a speech therapist, psychiatrist, and neurologist are involved.

You can find out about rehabilitation courses from your doctor. He will write out a referral for the course and give recommendations.

Ideally, all medical centers should be equipped with patient recovery rooms. But in reality, things are different. Patients often have to pay for such courses in private clinics.

Prevention of ischemic stroke

Prevention of ischemic stroke exists. And this is very good news!

What measures should you take to prevent the disease:

• quit smoking;
• if you are overweight, you need to lose weight;
• monitor nutrition;
• use low cholesterol foods;
• go in for sports, let it be walking;
• control chronic diseases, especially those related to the heart;
• everyday measure pressure and timely take medications to lower blood pressure;
• visit sanatoriums.

By the way, doctors do not prohibit taking alcohol to thin the blood. But this is exclusively for people who have no contraindications. The optimal dose is 50 g.

Also see your GP. Tell us about your concerns, for example, the disease is hereditary. You can take all the necessary tests on an outpatient basis. For deeper research, you can go to the hospital.

If your doctor suspects you are at risk of a stroke, an MRI scan can be done.

In general, watch your health. Do not expose yourself and your loved ones to such danger. At the first symptoms, do not hesitate to call the ambulance team. This will help save lives.