Recognize, treat and prevent an ischemic stroke

Strokes are a leading cause of death and major disability in the United States, but not all strokes are fatal.

The brain needs a constant supply of blood and oxygen. A stroke occurs when the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain is stopped or interrupted due to either a blocked or a ruptured blood vessel. If blood cannot flow to the brain, brain cells will start to die and stroke symptoms will start to appear.

There are two types of stroke:

• Ischemic
• Hemorrhagic

What is an ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke is caused when a blood clot located somewhere in the body travels to the brain, blocking blood and oxygen supply to the tissues. This type of stroke accounts for 87% of all strokes, according to the American Stroke Association.

There are two types of ischemic strokes:

• Thrombotic - A blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain.
• Embolic - A blood clot forms somewhere else in the body and breaks loose, traveling to the brain.

How to recognize symptoms

Strokes occur quickly, either over a few minutes or a few hours. Seeking care as soon as possible is vital. Fast action upon noticing symptoms can save brain function, which is why it’s important to remember BE FAST and call 911.

Stroke symptoms:

• drooping or paralysis of the face or mouth on one side
• numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg 
• trouble speaking or slurring your words 
• dizziness or confusion
• trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination
• difficulty seeing, blurry or double vision in one or both eyes 
• severe headache.

Not all symptoms occur with every stroke and some people experience symptoms that clear up within only a few minutes, which could be an early warning sign of a stroke. This is why it’s important to seek immediate care after the first signs of symptoms. 

How ischemic strokes are diagnosed

To diagnose a stroke, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans may be performed. There might be additional tests to determine if other conditions contributed to the stroke such as blood tests, ultrasounds of your heart and arteries, and heart rhythm monitoring. 

Ischemic stroke treatment

Any kind of stroke is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. There are effective treatments for stroke, but treatment needs to begin within the first few hours after stroke symptoms start to save brain tissue and increase the chance of recovery.

Medication

If emergency care is sought in the first 4.5 hours, a patient can be given medication to dissolve the clot. This medication, often referred to as a thrombolytic, allows oxygen and blood to reach the brain. However, thrombolytics can’t be given more than 4.5 hours after the start of the stroke.

Surgery

A surgical procedure called a thrombectomy may be able to remove the blood clot(s) and allow oxygen and blood to reach the brain.

Long-term treatment may include the use of a blood thinner or aspirin to prevent future clots.

Ischemic stroke risk factors and prevention

The risk of stroke can be decreased with lifestyle changes or management of health conditions. But some risk factors, such as gender, family history and race can’t be avoided.

Risks

Anyone from adults to children can suffer a stroke, but the risk is higher the older you are. Research shows they are more common in men, but more deadly for women. African Americans are generally at higher risk of stroke than Caucasians.

Certain health conditions also raise your risk of stroke. Circulatory conditions, which affect the flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels, are the main cause for ischemic stroke due to the increased chance of developing blood clots. This includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, clotting and bleeding disorders and more. Uncontrolled diabetes can also raise your risk. 

Having a previous ischemic stroke also raises your risk of having another. Additionally, a family or personal history of stroke or heart attack increase your risk of experiencing a stroke.

Your healthcare professional may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your risk, such as quitting smoking and increasing physical activity.

Prevention

Some risks factors are preventable. Avoiding smoking, drugs and excessive alcohol use can lower your risk. 

Your health care provider can determine your risks and how to manage them. They may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your risk and keep your body healthy, including:

• quitting smoking
• increasing physical activity
• managing health conditions
• maintaining a healthy weight and diet.

Long term effects of ischemic stroke

Depending on the severity and lasting complications, it could take weeks or months to recover from a stroke. Motor skills, like walking and coordination, as well as relearning daily tasks, can be treated with physical and occupational therapy. Speech therapy can also help.

Long term complications include:

• facial or muscle paralysis or weakness
• confusion, dementia or behavior changes
• speech problems
• seizures
• vision loss
• increased risk of additional stroke.