Quick Response is Crucial: Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Cerebral Infarction.

Cerebral infarction is one of the major diseases that threaten life in middle age and beyond, alongside cancer and heart disease. In particular, ischemic stroke, which occurs when a cerebral blood vessel is blocked, can lead to permanent disability or death if not treated promptly. This post will provide a detailed and professional overview of the main causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for ischemic stroke.

 

We hope this post enhances your understanding of stroke and provides valuable information on prevention and response strategies for better health management.

 

Definition and Causes of Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is a condition where a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked, preventing brain cells from receiving the necessary oxygen and nutrients. The primary causes are.

• Hypertension: Persistent high blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls, leading to atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the inner walls of blood vessels, potentially causing atherosclerosis.
• Hyperlipidemia: High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood increase the risk of narrowing or blocking blood vessels.
• Aging: Blood vessels lose elasticity and harden with age.
• Heart Disease: Conditions like arrhythmia, heart failure, and myocardial infarction can form blood clots that may travel to and block cerebral blood vessels.

 

Symptoms of Ischemic Stroke

The symptoms of ischemic stroke vary depending on the location and size of the blocked blood vessel. Common symptoms include.

• Paralysis on One Side of the Body: Weakness or loss of sensation in one arm or leg.
• Speech Disorders: Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding speech.
• Dizziness: Severe dizziness that can cause loss of balance and falls.
• Gait Disturbances: Unsteady walking or staggering as if drunk.
• Visual Impairment: Blurred vision or double vision in one eye.
• Decreased Consciousness: In severe cases, loss of consciousness and inability to wake up.

 

Acute Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

Immediate treatment is crucial when a stroke occurs. The goal of initial treatment is to quickly reopen the blocked blood vessel and prevent brain cell necrosis. Key treatment methods include.

• Intravenous Thrombolytics: Effective if administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. This treatment dissolves blood clots and restores blood flow.
• Endovascular Thrombectomy: Can be performed within 24 hours if a large artery is blocked. This procedure directly removes the clot from the blood vessel, protecting the penumbra (area around the stroke that can be saved).

 

The Importance of the Ischemic Penumbra

The ischemic penumbra refers to brain tissue that has not yet started to die in the early stages of a stroke. If blood flow is restored, this area can recover its function, making early treatment crucial. Over time, the penumbra can progress to necrosis, reducing the effectiveness of treatment and causing permanent damage.

 

Considerations in Treatment

There are various contraindications for stroke treatment. For example, patients at high risk of bleeding cannot use thrombolytics. Therefore, it is important to carefully evaluate the patient's condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Medical professionals consider the patient’s symptoms, the location of the blockage, and existing health conditions to choose the optimal treatment.

 

Prevention and Health Management

Preventing stroke requires improving lifestyle habits. Here are some preventive measures.

• Regular Health Check-ups: Early detection and management of risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.
• Balanced Diet: Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing saturated and trans fat intake.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes, three times a week, to maintain cardiovascular health.
• No Smoking and Moderate Drinking: Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol, as they are detrimental to vascular health.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress increases blood pressure and harms cardiovascular health. Manage stress through meditation, yoga, and hobbies.

 

 

While stroke can suddenly occur and pose a life-threatening risk, early detection and prompt treatment can minimize its impact. Regularly check your health status, familiarize yourself with the early symptoms of stroke, and respond quickly. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can reduce the risk of stroke and maintain a healthy life.

 

We hope this post enhances your understanding of stroke and provides valuable information on prevention and response strategies for better health management. Always take care of your health, and if you notice any suspicious symptoms, visit a medical facility immediately for appropriate care.