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 is brain damage due to circulatory dysfunction or deficiency. Damage to areas of the brain occurs due to a detached 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 mellitus;
• alcohol addiction;
• smoking;
• syphilis;
• AIDS;
• hepatitis;
• oral contraceptives;
• prolonged stress;
• increased blood clotting;
• high blood pressure;
• frequent prolonged migraines;
• heredity.

If you have ticked 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 the disease along a hereditary line increases. Therefore, be sure to clarify the diagnoses of your closest relatives to prevent ischemic stroke on your part.

Symptoms of ischemic stroke

The first warning signs of ischemic stroke are:

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

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

When a person smiles, asymmetry is visible, speech is slow and it is difficult to pronounce any word, only one hand rises - 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 point of no return, as death can occur instantly.

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

• confusion;
• redness of the cheeks and neck;
• blurred or distracted vision;
• weakness in arms and legs;
• a sharp rise in pressure;
• misunderstanding of what is happening.

A positive effect during recovery is calling an ambulance and providing medical care 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. Recurrence if not treated properly ischemic stroke in 90% of cases it leads to death.

Treatment of ischemic stroke

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

Pre-hospital first aid:

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

Remember the approximate time the stroke began. Tell your doctor about this, as the most effective treatment is considered to be within the “therapeutic window” of 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:

• measuring body temperature;
• elimination of headaches;
• preventing seizures only if they occur;
• administration 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 is reduced 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 against pneumonia, bedsores, and inflammation.

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

In the first week, the patient is contraindicated in any movements. Therefore, ensure moral and physical peace. The doctors will do the rest.

Recovery after ischemic stroke

The duration of rehabilitation depends on the severity of the resulting complications.

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

• Early rehabilitation. But first, consult your doctor. The success of recovery largely depends on the first positive dynamics.
• Gradual rehabilitation program. At first, passive tactics are used, i.e. massage,gymnastics. Then active physical activity is introduced - exercise machines, physical therapy.
• Comprehensive restoration. Not only are classes with physical activity conducted, but also a speech therapist, psychiatrist, and neurologist are involved.

You can learn about rehabilitation courses from your attending physician. 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 your diet;
• consume low cholesterol foods;
• go in for sports, let it be walking;
• control chronic diseases, especially those related to the heart;
• every day measure pressure and take medications to lower blood pressure in a timely manner;
• visit sanatoriums.

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

Also visit your primary care physician. Tell us about your concerns, for example, the disease is hereditary. You can take all necessary tests on an outpatient basis. For more in-depth studies, you can go to the hospital.

If your doctor suspects you are at risk for a stroke, an MRI may 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 an ambulance. This will help save lives.