Stroke: Brain Attack

Words: 2962
Pages: 12

Stroke

THE OVERVIEW
A Stroke, also known as a Brain Attack, is a serious, potentially fatal medical condition or crisis caused by the disruption of blood supply to the brain.
Within minutes of the stopping of blood supply to the brain, the brain cells begin to die which results in loss of brain function. It typically manifests in impairment or loss of movement, thinking and memory, bowel and bladder, speech, emotional control and other vital body functions. Larger strokes may cause paralysis (inability to move part of the body), loss of speech, or even death.

The good news is that strokes can be treated and prevented. Morbidity and mortality due to stroke have been steadily declining in India over the years.

THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
…show more content…
The cause may be the bursting of an aneurysm (a ballooned area on an artery wall) which may be present at birth, or may develop later in life due to factors like hypertension. Another cause may be an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) which is a congenital disorder marked by the entanglement of arteries and veins in the brain. The extent of damage may increase due to the erratic widening and narrowing of the brain’s blood vessels (Vasospasm) after a haemorrhage, hampering the flow of …show more content…
The doctors may inject a dye into your bloodstream to reveal your blood vessels during the scan. (Computerised Tomography Angiography)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the brain. This test can detect damaged brain tissues due to ischemic strokes and haemorrhages. When a dye is injected into the bloodstream it helps to highlight the flow of blood. This process is called Magnetic Resonance Angiography or Magnetic Resonance Venography.
Carotid Ultrasound: The carotid arteries run through the neck and this test helps to reveal the buildup of plaques (fatty deposits) on the walls of the arteries.
Cerebral Angiogram In a cerebral angiogram, your doctor will use a catheter which is a small flexible tube to inject a dye into your carotid or vertebral artery so as to make these vessels visible under an X-Ray. Your doctor will do this by making a small incision, usually in your groin and guide the tube through major arteries to the target artery. This will help get a detailed view of the arteries in the brain and