Ischemic stroke

What is Ischemic stroke?

Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), cerebrovascular insult (CVI), or brain attack, is when poor blood flow to the brain results in cell death. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic due to lack of blood flow and hemorrhagic due to bleeding. They result in part of the brain not functioning properly. Signs and symptoms often appear soon after the stroke has occurred. If symptoms last less than one or two hours it is known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The symptoms of a stroke can be permanent. Long term complications may include pneumonia or loss of bladder control.

The main risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. An ischemic stroke is typically caused by blockage of a blood vessel. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding either directly into the brain or into the space surrounding the brain. Diagnosis is typically with medical imaging such as a CT scan or MRI scan along with a physical exam. Other tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests are done to determine risk factors and rule out other possible causes. Low blood sugar may cause similar symptoms.

Prevention includes decreasing risk factors as well as possibly aspirin, statins, surgery to open up the arteries to the brain in those with problematic narrowing, and warfarin in those with atrial fibrillation. A stroke often requires emergency care. An ischemic stroke, if detected within three to four and half hours, may be treatable with a medication that can break down the clot. Aspirin should be used. Some hemorrhagic strokes benefit from surgery. Treatment to try recover lost function is called stroke rehabilitation and ideally takes place in a stroke unit; however, these are not available in much of the world.

In 2010 approximately 17 million people had a stroke and 33 million people had previously had a stroke and were still alive. Between 1990 and 2010 the number of strokes which occurred each year decreased by approximately 10% in the developed world and increased by 10% in the developing world. In 2013, stroke was the second most frequent cause of death after coronary artery disease, accounting for 6.4 million deaths (12% of the total). About 3.3 million deaths resulted from ischemic stroke while 3.2 million deaths resulted from hemorrhagic stroke. Overall, two thirds of strokes occurred in those over 65 years old.

Questions and answers on "Ischemic stroke"

hi i had a stroke when i was 9 years old. it was an ischemic stroke . dotors have advised me to take aspirin and clonazepa. just wntd your advice...

doctor1 MD

Hi welcome to H.C.M.Forum. it is o.k , but you didn't write your age now. asprin, and clonazepam are the appropriate drugs. besides you can use...

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My father is 82 and had a ischemic stroke due to blood clot to the brain, right side. He was taken to the hospital and we are waiting for them to...

doctor1 MD

Welcome to HCM,
In ischemic stroke, remain unconscious is very common due to cut down blood supply to brain tissues.
It may remain for prolong...

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I am 70 years old and in good health. I was diagnosed with an acute infarction left insular cortex as well as left frontal-parietal cortex...

doctor1 MD

rehabilitative exercises should be done.
it is normal to feel angry, anxious or depressed after a stroke.
Rehabilitation is about getting back...

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