A stroke is a condition associated with the disruption of blood supply to the oxygen of brain cells. Ischemic stroke (blood circulation is disrupted due to a vessel being blocked by a thrombus) and hemorrhagic stroke (rupture of a blood vessel, bleeding in the brain) are distinguished.
Causes
The cause of a stroke is the disruption of blood flow in the vessels of the brain. Factors that influence this condition include:
- hypertension (leads to deterioration of vessel condition),
- heart diseases (lead to thrombus formation),
- atherosclerosis (narrowing and blockage of vessels),
- diabetes mellitus (destroys blood vessels, promotes thrombus formation),
- aneurysms,
- obesity (leads to atherosclerosis),
- alcohol, smoking (have a destructive effect on vessels),
- hormonal contraceptives (promote thrombus formation),
- poor blood coagulation.
Symptoms of Stroke
Main signs indicating a stroke:
- sudden weakness, numbness, tightness, or paralysis of the face and limbs on one side of the body,
- speech disturbances, difficulties in pronouncing words,
- sudden loss of vision in one (or both) eyes,
- unexplained severe headaches, vestibular instability, dizziness.
If such symptoms are present, medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Stroke Diagnosis in Israel
It is very important to accurately determine the location of the stroke. In Israel, CT, MRI, and ultrasound of the brain vessels, magnetic resonance angiography, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, electroencephalogram, coagulation profile, and biochemical blood tests are performed for this purpose.
Stroke Treatment in Israel
The sooner a patient seeks help, the more effective the treatment will be. In Israel, a patient with a stroke is immediately hospitalized. If less than 6 hours have passed since the onset of the crisis, thrombolytic drugs are administered for ischemic stroke. In the case of hemorrhagic stroke, emergency surgery may be performed to remove the formed hematoma. These measures and subsequent rehabilitation therapy aim to maximize the reconstruction of the functions of the affected part of the brain. Depending on the individual clinical picture, various types of medications may be prescribed. Therapeutic rehabilitation exercises play an important role in restoring the patient's health to normal.
Prevention
To avoid a stroke, it is necessary to monitor your weight, eat properly, lead a healthy lifestyle without bad habits, provide the body with regular physical activity, and combat stress.