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Stroke or Cerebral Palsy. Diagnosis and Treatment Methods

  • Definition

    Stroke is the sudden loss of one or more functions such as movement, sensation, speech, or perception due to the blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Different parts of the brain control various functions, and these functions depend on the energy (oxygen and glucose) delivered via the blood carried by arteries. If an artery becomes blocked, the functions of the brain area it supplies may be lost, resulting in a stroke. If the blockage is cleared quickly, the symptoms may be temporary; however, if the blockage lasts beyond a critical period, permanent damage to the brain may occur.

  • Symptoms

    During a stroke, one or more of the following symptoms may occur:

    • Loss of sensation and strength (paralysis) on one side of the body (face, arm, and leg)

    • Facial drooping, lip deviation

    • Difficulty speaking or inability to speak

    • Slurred speech

    • Inability to find or articulate words

    • Inability to understand spoken words

    • Sudden vision loss in one eye

    • Double vision

    • Dizziness and loss of balance

    • Headache

    Among the most common symptoms are issues related to the face, arm, and speech. These symptoms can become permanent if the artery blockage caused by the stroke lasts beyond a critical period. Therefore, anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

  • Causes of Stroke

    There are four main causes of artery blockage that can lead to a stroke:

    • Carotid Artery Blockage: Sudden blockage of the carotid artery, typically in the advanced stages of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

    • Small Clots: In patients with carotid artery narrowing, small clots or calcified fragments can break off and block brain vessels.

    • Narrowing in Brain Arteries: Constriction or blockage of the brain's arteries inside the skull.

    • Heart-Originated Clots: Clots that form in the heart and travel to the brain arteries, causing blockage.

    Risk Factors

    Key risk factors for stroke include:

    • Age: More common in individuals over the age of 65.
      Obesity: Excess body weight.
      Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk.
      Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity.
      Hypertension: High blood pressure.
      Heart Rhythm Disorders: Especially atrial fibrillation.
      Smoking: Negatively affects vascular health.
      High Cholesterol: Elevated blood cholesterol levels.
      Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Overconsumption poses a risk.

      Atherosclerosis contributes to stroke risk by causing fatty and calcified deposits to build up on the inner walls of arteries, making clot formation more likely.

  • Stroke Treatment Methods

    Thrombolysis
    Thrombolytic treatment can be applied to individuals who are diagnosed with a small artery blockage and reach the hospital within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Thrombolysis is performed by administering a clot-dissolving medication intravenously. However, this method is not suitable for patients who have recently undergone major surgery or are using blood thinners.

    Mechanical Thrombectomy
    Mechanical thrombectomy is used for patients with a large artery blockage where significant brain damage has not yet occurred. This procedure is performed using an angiography device. A small incision is made in the groin artery, and a catheter is inserted into the vessel. Guided by angiography, the catheter is advanced to the blocked artery, where a special stent is used to capture and remove the clot.

    The stent encloses the clot and is then retracted together with it. During the process, to prevent the clot from dislodging, a balloon at the tip of a catheter placed in the carotid artery is inflated to temporarily stop blood flow. After the procedure, angiography is used to verify whether the blocked artery has been successfully reopened.

  • Preventive Measures

    Stroke is a largely preventable condition. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) can be warning signs of an impending permanent stroke and should be taken seriously. Eliminating risk factors in individuals who experience TIAs is crucial:

    • Blood Pressure Control: Keeping it within normal limits.

    • Diabetes Management: Maintaining blood sugar levels under control.

    • Weight Management: Following a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

    • Smoking and Alcohol: Reducing or quitting consumption altogether.

    • Regular Check-Ups: Ensuring medical evaluations and necessary treatments are followed.

    Patients who experience a transient ischemic attack should undergo a thorough medical evaluation and begin appropriate treatment. If necessary, individuals at risk of atherosclerosis should follow customized treatment plans.

    Conclusion

    Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Acting quickly when symptoms appear increases the chances of effective treatment. Moreover, lifestyle changes and regular health check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Being aware and responsive to symptoms plays a critical role in preventing this serious health issue.

    This information is supported by verified medical insights from specialist doctor İbadat Hasanov and aims to inform the public. In all cases, treatment plans are tailored to the individual and should be carefully assessed by your healthcare providers.

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