Types
There are two types of ischemic stroke: embolic stroke and thrombotic stroke.
Embolic Stroke
An embolic stroke occurs when an embolus, or a clot that moves through the bloodstream, forms in either the heart or neck arteries. It is then carried in the bloodstream where it blocks a blood vessel leading to or in the brain.
Thrombotic Stroke
A thrombotic stroke occurs when a blood clot, or thrombus, forms in an artery supplying blood to the brain. The blood clot blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a portion of the brain. A thrombotic stroke may be preceded by a series of one or more transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also known as “mini-strokes.”
Causes
Ischemic strokes are most often caused by arteries becoming narrowed, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Other causes include the use of drugs (such as opioids, stimulants, cannabinoids, and steroids), trauma to blood vessels in the neck, and blood clotting disorders.
Diagnosis
When a person shows symptoms of a stroke or has a TIA (transient ischemic attack), the doctor will examine the patient in order to make a diagnosis. After obtaining a medical history, the following diagnostic tests may be performed:
Neurological examinationComplete blood countCT scanMRI scan
Symptoms
A person who is having a stroke may not notice that they are experiencing symptoms. If you think you are having stroke symptoms, or if you believe someone else is, a simple test is to think “FAST” and do the following:
Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one of the arms drift downward or are they unable to raise either one of their arms?Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred?Time: Seek immediate medical attention if you observe any of these signs.
Other symptoms of an ischemic stroke include:
Trouble understanding or speakingNumbness of the arm, face, or legBlurred or blackened vision in one or both eyesDouble visionSudden, severe headacheVomitingDizzinessDifficulty walkingLoss of balance or coordination
Treatment
Immediate treatment is required to limit the level of brain damage that results from the blockage in blood flow. Treatment with tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, has been effective for patients with an ischemic stroke as long as the patient has received it intravenously within three hours of the onset of symptoms.
Reducing Risk Factors
While certain risk factors as age, gender, heredity, and ethnicity are uncontrollable, a patient can reduce their risk of stroke by beginning treatment that controls their risk factors and adjusts their lifestyle choices.
Ways to control risk factors for a stroke include:
Quitting smokingLosing weightIncreasing physical activityReducing alcohol intakeEliminating illegal drug use
