Question

Explain the pathophysiology abnormalities found in stroke. What does the term "brain attack " mean, and why is it used? What is the best way to prevent strokes? What is the best way to ensure early identification and definitive treatments for strokes?

Answer 1

Stroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease that involves the vessels of the central nervous system. It usually occurs with sudden onset due to a burst of cerebral arteries, hemorrhage, or occlusion by a thrombus or other particles, leading to ischaemia and to focal brain dysfunction. Immediately, nerve cells depleted of oxygen in the involved vascular territory will be functionally disturbed and die if the circulation is not promptly restored.

Brain Attack: Damage to the brain from interruption of its blood supply.

Brain attack” is a term many physicians are starting to use for strokes. That's because people often confuse strokes with heart attacks. Both involve blockages: a heart attack occurs when the blood cannot flow to the heart, and a stroke occurs when blood cannot reach the brain.

The best way to help prevent a stroke is to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. These lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of problems like: arteries becoming clogged with fatty substances (atherosclerosis) high blood pressure.

The best way to ensure early identification of strokes:

BE FAST:

B -- BALANCE: A sudden loss of balance or coordination, such as not being able to walk a straight line or touch a finger to the nose.

E -- EYES: Sudden vision changes, such as double vision or blindness in one eye.

F -- FACE DROOPING: Droopiness or numbness on one side of the face, such as an uneven smile.

A -- ARM WEAKNESS: Weakness in one arm, such as not being able to raise both arms.

S -- SPEECH DIFFICULTY: Slurred speech or speech that is difficult to understand.

T -- TIME TO CALL 911: If any of the above symptoms are present, it's important to call emergency responders or go to the ER right away, even if symptoms seem to disappear. Be sure to record the time when symptoms started.

The definitive treatment for Stroke is An IV injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) — also called alteplase (Activase) — is the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke. An injection of tPA is usually given through a vein in the arm with the first three hours.