Brain haemorrhage Diagnosis and treatment of 'strokes' using Stem Cells
The Importance of Early Intervention After a Brain Stroke
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain stroke, the time to intervene is very short. During the first few hours, family members and bystanders may need to confirm the patient's vital signs. In the event that the patient is unconscious and does not have speech function, they may need to confirm what the patient says. Fortunately, there are ways to help during this critical time. Read on to learn more about the importance of early intervention.
Ischemic strokes
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke is more common and occurs when blood clots block the flow of blood to the brain. When blood flow to the brain is blocked, brain cells begin to die. Ischemic stroke can be caused by narrowing of an artery due to atherosclerosis, or it can be a transient ischemic attack, which is an occurrence where the blood flow to the brain is interrupted for a few minutes. Transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs, are often a warning sign of a more serious stroke. TIAs can be accompanied by bleeding or damage to nearby brain cells.
A hemorrhagic stroke can be classified as either intraacerebral or intraventricular hemorrhage, depending on where the blood clot occurs in the brain. Both types can cause the victim to have difficulty speaking or understanding speech. If you notice one of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. The majority of strokes are ischemic. But there are two types of strokes. Both types can cause devastating symptoms.
Although ischemic stroke is the most common type, recovery depends on several factors. The location of the stroke, severity, and presence of other complications may determine the long-term outcome. Many people recover most of their function within three to six months of their stroke. Although progress slows after that, after 12 months, most patients recover. If you are suffering from ischemic stroke, it is important to avoid smoking. It can increase your risk of another stroke.
An MRI scan of the head is another way to diagnose ischemic stroke. This test uses radio frequency pulses and powerful magnetic fields to produce detailed pictures of internal body structures. MRI also helps doctors assess the extent of brain damage from a stroke. An electrocardiogram is also a diagnostic tool that measures electrical activity in the heart. If you suspect a heart problem, your physician can recommend a cardiac catheter to perform an accurate evaluation.
Acute care for ischemic stroke includes medicines that break up blood clots and surgery to open blocked arteries. Drugs such as alteplase are often used to dissolve blood clots in the brain and prevent the symptoms of ischemic stroke. However, the benefits of thrombolytic therapy are temporary and decrease over several hours. The earlier you receive treatment, the better the chances for success.
Transient ischemic attack
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a medical emergency that results from a temporary blockage of a blood vessel in the brain. This condition causes stroke-like symptoms and usually resolves within 24 hours. A stroke, on the other hand, is more serious and can result in permanent disabilities. Patients with TIA should be evaluated for the underlying cause of the TIA and receive appropriate treatment.
The symptoms of a TIA vary from person to person, depending on what part of the brain was affected and how long the patient was deprived of blood. If a person has a TIA, it is important to get emergency medical care, as this could lead to a stroke. Most commonly, patients experience sudden weakness. While stroke symptoms are usually permanent, a TIA can occur again.
Another type of TIA is called a warning stroke. While the symptoms of a stroke are similar to those of a TIA, the symptoms of a TIA last only a few minutes. If the symptoms of a TIA persist for more than a day, they may be a TIA. While stroke can cause permanent damage, TIAs can lead to disability or death.
In a recent study, researchers studied the risks of subsequent stroke after TIA. A nested matched longitudinal cohort study followed more than six decades. Study participants were assessed for clinical and demographic risk factors. At each visit, participants provided written consent to participate. The study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of the Boston University School of Medicine. The authors' conclusions may help patients make the best treatment decision for their particular case.
A TIA occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. This clot is usually quickly dislodged and the blood flow returns to normal before lasting damage takes place. Patients who suffer from TIA should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible. The condition should be monitored closely as it can develop into a full-blown stroke. In one in three cases, a TIA precedes a full-blown stroke.
Clot-busting medicines & Regenerative Treatments
Two new "clot-busting" medicines are available for stroke patients. Both are injections that decrease the chance of having a symptomatic brain hemorrhage. A new study will discuss the safety and effectiveness of tenecteplase and alteplase at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference in New Orleans. This study will not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the two medicines.
While emergency care for stroke victims is essential, stem cell treatments for strokes are only effective if given soon after symptoms begin. Some people can still benefit from thrombolysis if it is administered four to five hours after the onset of symptoms. However, the longer the patient has been in the hospital, the less effective it will be. For this reason, it's imperative that stroke victims get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
Two new clot-busting medications have recently been approved for stroke patients. One is known as Solitair. Solitair has a self-expanding stent-like design that traps blood clots and is removed when the patient's symptoms have resolved. It is also effective in reopening blocked blood vessels with no symptomatic bleeding. Compared to the standard mechanical device, Solitair showed a 95 percent success rate.
Another medicine known as tPA is used to dissolve clots in the brain. If given within four and a half hours of a stroke's onset, it reduces the severity of the disease and may improve the chances of a full recovery. However, it should be noted that TPA requires a patient to be in a hospital within four and a half hours after a stroke begins.
There are several risks to thrombolytics, including bleeding. In approximately 25% of people, bleeding occurs. However, only one percent of those people have bleeding into the brain while on thrombolytics. Patients with bleeding in the brain should not be given thrombolytics as a first treatment for a heart attack or stroke. Both conditions are medical emergencies. However, the potential benefits of thrombolytics are so great that they are a valuable tool for treating stroke patients.
Rehabilitation after Stroke
Rehabilitation after brain stroke aims to restore function and independence in a patient suffering from a traumatic event. The process begins after the patient is stabilized by doctors and nurses and includes restoring blood flow to the brain and surrounding area, as well as managing risk factors. Rehabilitation may begin during the initial hospital stay, as it helps the patient recover quicker and maximize the chances of regaining brain and body function. Rehabilitation after brain stroke will be different for every patient, and the type of facility varies depending on the individual's condition and the patient's insurance. Your doctor can recommend a facility that best suits your needs.
Physical therapy after brain stroke involves rehabilitation activities that improve the patient's physical and cognitive skills. These activities include exercises for the brain and the use of technology, such as video games, robotics, and functional electrical stimulation. The therapists will help the patient achieve certain goals and celebrate their accomplishments. Initially, the patient may not be able to cope with a lot of rehabilitation, but as the patient's strength and abilities improve, they can move on to more advanced exercises.
Restoring speech after brain stroke is crucial for improving a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Depending on the type of stroke, speech and language problems may be a result. If these problems persist, speech and language therapists will teach them to speak clearly and use other means of communication. People affected by stroke may also experience impaired judgment, memory loss, and behavioral changes. Once outgoing and social, a person may become more reclusive and withdrawn. Sometimes they lack inhibitions and act recklessly.
Early treatment is essential for recovering function and independence after a stroke. Rehabilitation can begin as soon as 24 hours after the stroke, allowing individuals to gradually regain lost skills. The program can continue for years, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain and the type of abilities it affected. The rehabilitation program may involve learning new skills and improving daily activities. Patients can even use technology to enhance thinking and memory. When early rehabilitation begins, the patient can begin working on new tasks while the rehabilitation process continues.