What Is an Ischemic Stroke?

Ischemic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs as a result of the blockage of blood vessels that supplies blood to the brain by a blood clot. This prevents blood from reaching the brain. Consequently, the brain does not get enough oxygen for normal functioning. According to statistics, about 87% of stroke is ischemic.

What are the causes of ischemic stroke?

Blockages are caused by blood clots that form in the arteries that lead to thebrain. A blockage can also be formed in the small vessels that are deep inside your brain. This is known as cerebral thrombosis.

Medical research confirms that a blockage can also be caused by a blood clot and other matter (like an air bubble) that moves through the bloodstream, a condition known as the cerebral embolism. The following are some of the factors that contribute to the formation of blockages:

1. Atherosclerosis 

This is a result of the buildup of fatty deposits on the interior of the arteries. In most cases, atherosclerosis makes the arteries become hard and narrow, increasing the risk of becoming blocked. 

2. Small vessel disease

This is a situation whereby the tiny blood vessels in the brain become blocked. This leads to the collection of deposits in your blood vessels, making them thick and become inflexible.

3. Certain heart conditions

The heart is the engine of your body. If it is affected, your body will not function properly. For instance, heart-related complications are likely to cause stroke, especially if you are obese or diabetic.

4. Arterial dissection 

This is a condition that causes tears to develop along the artery’s lining, allowing the blood to be deposited between the layers of the artery walls. There is no real cause of arterial dissection, but injuries (like whiplash) have been taunted as the major culprit.

What are the symptoms of ischemic stroke?

If somebody has developed ischemic stroke, he/she will exhibit the following symptoms:

• Exhibit a slurred speech
• Body imbalance
• Struggles when walking
• Have a difficulty in understanding speech
• Numbness of certain parts of the body

You need to act fast

Stroke is treated as a medical emergency. If you come across a stroke victim, just dial 911 immediately.

If you have found the victim along the road, please don’t drive the victim to the hospital yourself. Call a doctor or an ambulance. They will come with the necessary resuscitation equipment for conducting the first aid.

What are the treatments for ischemic stroke?

Ischemic stroke can be deadly. Since it is caused by blockages in blood vessels as a result of blood clots, a clot-bursting drug is the best medication a doctor will prescribe you with. Thrombolysis is the most effective clot-bursting medicine.

This drug will quickly break down and disperse the clot that is hindering blood from being supplied to the brain. However, for maximum effect, it is advisable that the patient takes it within four hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. Remember, every minute counts as far as the management and treatment of ischemic stroke are concerned. A quick response can save a life.

The majority of ischemic stroke victims are given anti-platelet medications that help to prevent the blood from further clotting.