Is one of the two main classifications of stroke.
The other classification is Hemorrhagic Stroke
Occurs when oxygen is lacking in a portion of the brain
Caused by a stoppage in blood flow to a certain area typically seen as a blockage in the vessels of the brain.
Blood allows oxygen, nutrients to be brought to the tissue of the brain and it exports waste and carbon dioxide away from the brain.
Can lead to loss of function and necrosis of the tissue of the brain due to cellular death.
Accounts for more then 80% of all stokes and average age is above 60 years of age.
More common in males than women
Causes:
1.) Thrombotic [blood clot that has formed locally]
2.) Embolitic [blood clot or foreign matter from somewhere else in body]
3.) Systemic Hypoperfusion [Decreased blood flow due to shock or other factor]
4.) Cryptogenic [Unknown origin]
Risk Factors:
- Age
- Male sex
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Overweight
- Increased cholesterol
- Cardiac disease
Symptoms:
- Very quick symptoms may be seen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Loss of consciousness
- Pain
- Confusion
- Changes in vision
- Weakness
- Abnormal movement of eyes
- Seizures
- Anger
- Speech pattern changes
- Loss of speech [Complete]
- Motor skills changes
- Numbness
- Paralysis [Typically on one side of the body]
***Symptoms may develop quickly, within a few minutes, or worsen over a few hours
TIA - Transient Ischemic Attack - may precede or give warning to a major ischemic stroke
Treatment:
- Emergency Room visit
- Probable hospital stay
Thrombolytic (Fibrinolytic) Drugs:
. Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)
Blood thinners
. Heparin
. Coumadin
. Aspirin
- Blood pressure medications
- Pain medications
- Management
. Speech Therapy
. Occupational Therapy
. Physical Therapy
- others