Sometimes the person will not be able to speak at all.
You may notice that the person turns his head completely to the left to see what is in the left eye field of vision using the right eye.
You may also notice weakness or sudden stumbling and falling.
About 20 percent of people who experience a TIA will go on to have a major stroke within 90 days and about two percent will have a major stroke within two days. Experiencing TIA can lead to Multi-infarct dementia (MID), or memory loss, over time.
Face: Ask the person to smile to see if one side of the face droops. Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Can he at all? Does one arm drift downward? Speech: Is the person slurring speech? Is he unable to speak at all? Is the person confused by a simple request to repeat a short sentence? Time: Immediately call your local emergency number in the event of these symptoms. Do not hesitate.
You are encouraged to call the emergency medical service near you, even if these symptoms go away quickly or are painless. Note the time that you first notice symptoms in order to help the medical staff accurately determine treatment.
You are encouraged to call the emergency medical service near you, even if these symptoms go away quickly or are painless. Note the time that you first notice symptoms in order to help the medical staff accurately determine treatment.
Computed tomography (CT), which is a type of x-ray imaging that takes a detailed picture of the brain immediately after a suspected stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which will also detect damage to the brain and may be used instead of, or in conjunction with, a CT scan. Carotid ultrasound, which is painless and will show narrowing of the carotid arteries. This may also be helpful after a TIA when no permanent damage to the brain is expected. If the doctor notices a 70 % blockage, surgery may be necessary to prevent stroke. Carotid angiography, which uses the insertion of a catheter, dye, and x-rays to visualize the interior of the carotid arteries. Echocardiogram (EKG), which a doctor can use to evaluate the health of the heart and the presence of known risk factors for stroke. Blood tests may be ordered to look for low blood sugar, which appears similar in nature to a stroke, and at the ability of your blood to clot, which can indicate a high-risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke.
Hemorrhagic stroke:[13] X Research source During this type of stroke blood vessels in the brain will rupture or leak blood. The blood spills into or around the brain, depending upon the location of the blood vessel, causing pressure and swelling. This damages the cells and the tissues. Intracerebral is the most common hemorrhagic stroke and happens inside the brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts. Subarachnoid hemorrhage involves bleeding between the brain and the tissue which covers the brain. This is the subarachnoid space. Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke and accounts for 87 percent of diagnosed strokes. [14] X Research source A blockage in an artery in the brain from a blood clot (also called thrombus) or arterial buildup (atherosclerosis) stops the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain tissue and cells, causing inadequate blood flow (ischemia), resulting in an ischemic stroke.
Surgical clipping or endovascular embolization to stop bleeding at the base of an aneurysm, if that was the cause of the stroke. Surgery to evacuate the blood that has not absorbed into the brain tissue and to relieve the pressure on the brain (usually severe cases). Surgery to remove an arteriovenous malformation if the AVM is located in an accessible area. Stereotactic radiosurgery is an advanced technique that is minimally invasive and used to remove the AVM. Intracranial bypass to increase blood flow in some specific cases. Immediately discontinuing blood thinners, which make it more difficult to stop a bleed in the brain. Supportive medical care as the blood is reabsorbed by the body, such as it is after a bruise.
Tissue plasminogen activators (TPAs) to break up blood clots in the arteries of the brain. The medication is injected into the arm of the person experiencing a stroke from a clot. It must be used within four hours of the start of the stroke; the earlier it is administered, the better the results. Antiplatelet medications to stop further clotting in the brain and more damage. However, these medications must be taken within forty-eight hours, and they will do even more damage if the person has had a hemorrhagic stroke, so proper diagnosis is crucial. Carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty if heart disease is present. During this procedure, a surgeon removes the inner lining or the carotid artery if it is blocked with plaque or has become thick and stiff. This will open the carotid vessels and provide more oxygenated blood to the brain and is performed when there is at least 70% blockage in the artery. Using intra-arterial thrombolysis, during which a surgeon inserts a catheter in the groin and threads it up to the brain where he or she can release medication directly near the areas of the clots that need to be eliminated.
Symptoms of AF include a fluttering feeling in the chest, chest pain, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
The arteries in your legs are the ones usually affected. Peripheral artery disease is a main risk factor for stroke.
Damage to the arteries can also lead to the formation of clots and impaired blood circulation to cause ischemic strokes.
Even exposure to secondhand smoke from others smoking raises the risk of stroke in nonsmokers.
Alcohol consumption causes platelets to clump, which can lead to stroke or heart attack. Excess drinking can also cause cardiomyopathy (weakness or failing of heart muscles) and abnormalities of heart rhythm, like atrial fibrillation, which can cause the clot formation and lead to stroke. The CDC recommends that women have no more than one alcoholic beverage each day and that men have no more than two. [28] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Blacks and Hispanics are also at a higher risk for sickle cell disease, which can cause red blood cells to form in an abnormal shape that makes them more likely to get stuck in blood vessels, leading to a higher potential for ischemic stroke. [32] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
