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An ischaemic stroke, also known as a cerebral infarction, occurs when a blood clot or other obstruction blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain, leading to a sudden reduction in blood flow. This lack of blood flow deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, increasing the risk of brain cells dying.
Ischaemic strokes account for about 80% of all strokes and are a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to minimise brain damage and potential complications.
Types of ischaemic strokes
There are three main types of ischaemic strokes:
Thrombotic stroke. This type occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. It is often associated with atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries are narrowed by fatty deposits.
Embolic stroke. This type occurs when a blood clot or other debris forms away from the brain—commonly in the heart—and is swept through the bloodstream to lodge in narrower brain arteries. This moving clot is known as an embolus.
Lacunar stroke. This type occurs when one of the small blood vessels within the deep areas of the brain is blocked due to thickening of the wall of the blood vessels (arteriolosclerosis). The most common cause is hypertension, though other rare genetic factors may also contribute.
What are the symptoms of an ischaemic stroke?
The symptoms of an ischaemic stroke can vary depending on the area of the brain affected. Common signs include:
Sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg.
Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
When to seek emergency medical attention?
It is crucial to act FAST and seek emergency medical attention if you notice the following symptoms in a loved one:
Face drooping when you ask them to smile.
Arm weakness when you ask them to raise one or both arms.
Speech difficulty when you ask them a question or notice difficulty understanding what you say.
Time to call emergency services.
What causes an ischaemic stroke?
Several factors can cause an ischaemic stroke, including:
Atherosclerosis, which refers to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
Blood clots, which can form in the heart due to irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, or heart valve problems.
Hypertension, which leads to thickened walls of the blood arteries and results in occlusion of the small perforating blood vessels.
Narrowed neck arteries, caused by conditions like carotid artery disease.
Other conditions such as sickle cell disease, blood clotting disorders, genetic conditions, or inflammatory diseases affecting blood vessels.
What are the complications and related diseases for an ischaemic stroke?
Complications can include:
Paralysis or loss of muscle movement, usually on one side of the body.
Problems with memory, thinking, attention, or learning.
Trouble speaking or swallowing (dysphagia).
Pain, numbness, or other unusual sensations in parts of the body affected by the stroke.
Depression, anxiety, and emotional instability.
Secondary health issues such as blood clots in the legs, pressure sores, or pneumonia due to immobility.
How do you prevent an ischaemic stroke?
Preventative strategies include:
Manage risk factors, such as controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.
Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Take medications as prescribed to manage risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation.
Regular health screenings and monitoring of risk factors.
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