Learn How to Treat Someone Having a Stroke
After the reality that an ischemic brain event has occurred and emergent concerns have been addressed, the cause of the stroke needs to be established if possible. There are many causes of altered blood flow to the brain.
It is important to clarify the cause so that an appropriate treatment can be started. A multitude of processes including arterial stenosis, occlusion or trauma, venous thrombosis, inflammation of blood vessels, cardiac arrhythmia, or embolic disease and blood clotting
The focus of the stroke workup includes evaluation of the major arteries and veins of the head and neck, studies to evaluate heart function, and blood tests to screen for proclivities to form blood clots. A careful clinical history is imperative to placing test results in perspective. Generally, it is not possible to have a stroke from psychological stress or anger unless these sorts of behaviors cause a dramatic change in blood pressure or heart rate. The protocol used to evaluate the cause of a stroke consists of “rounding up the usual suspects”. Generally, a stroke order set is utilized to ensure the admitting stroke team considers all possible etiologies for brain ischemia.
The protocol used to evaluate the cause of a stroke
The focus of the stroke workup includes evaluation of the major arteries and veins of the head and neck, studies to evaluate heart function, and blood tests to screen for proclivities to form blood clots. A careful clinical history is imperative to placing test results in perspective. Generally, it is not possible to have a stroke from psychological stress or anger unless these sorts of behaviors cause a dramatic change in blood pressure or heart rate. The protocol used to evaluate the cause of a stroke consists of “rounding up the usual suspects”. Generally, a stroke order set is utilized to ensure the admitting stroke team considers all possible etiologies for brain ischemia.
Although stroke can occur at any age (even in-utero) most strokes, like heart attacks, affect individuals 65 years of age or older.
The most common cause of embolic stroke, in the after 65 population is Atrial Fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that promotes the formation of blood clots in the atrium of the heart. These particles of congealed blood from the atrium will travel up to the brain and cause a stroke. Carotid or Vertebral artery narrowing form long-standing atherosclerotic disease which is also a major cause of embolic stroke.
The most common cause of thrombotic stroke is secondary to poorly controlled hypertension or diabetes along with high cholesterol. Transient but severe low pressure too can cause this form of stroke often in multiple susceptible brain areas at once. Often, smoking and stimulant drug abuse can lead to small vessel or thrombotic ischemic stroke.
Trauma to the carotid or vertebral arteries of the neck can lead to stroke from an injury (dissection) of the arterial wall. The dissection will cause temporary (or more permanent) disruption of normal blood flow to the brain leading to stroke.
Learn How to Treat Someone Having a Stroke:
Most stroke victims have a full functional recovery and can, after several months of recovery, lead satisfying normal lives. Although the leading cause of disability, stroke patients can dramatically improve. This improvement is primarily within the first 12 months after the event but more recent evidence suggests smaller continued gains are possible over the longer term.
For more information about Dr. London, visit www.nwphysicians.com.
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