A microstroke is a disease from which an increasingly younger generation suffers today. These can be people who are not yet 30 years old, and even children. Many do not pay attention to the first signs of a microstroke and suffer an ailment on their legs. This leads to a general weakening of the body and provokes the recurrence of such attacks in the future. However, doctors recommend that you do not neglect your health and be able to recognize symptoms that indicate possible problems.
If they are detected, it is recommended to undergo an examination and begin treatment as soon as possible. However, to understand the symptoms of this condition, it is worth learning a little more about it.
What is a microstroke?
If we talk about official medical terminology, then there is no such concept in it. However, doctors are actively using the word "microstroke", talking about specific processes and symptoms that occur in the human body.
By and large, this condition is really a stroke to a small extent. In this case, a person in the same way there is a violation of the blood circulation of the brain due to blockage of blood vessels into which blood clots fall. Gradually, they dissolve, and the cells that die out due to the relatively long absence of oxygen begin to recover. If damage occurs in large vessels, then there is a big risk that damage to the brain will be irreversible.
How is a microstroke different from a regular stroke?
According to recent medical studies, more than 400 cases of such attacks are recorded annually in Russia. In 35%, the outcome is fatal.
If we talk about the differences, then the signs of stroke and microstroke practically do not differ. In both cases, there is a destruction of brain cells, a narrowing of the bloodstream. The main difference between these two states is their duration. A microstroke is a short-term condition that can last from several minutes to several hours. As a rule, after this, the functions of the brain are fully restored. If we are talking about a regular stroke, then in this case the condition lasts a longer time. Cells experience too long oxygen starvation, which is why the consequences for humans are much more dangerous.
Speaking about the signs of a stroke and microstroke, it is worth saying that in most cases a person does not even understand what exactly is happening to him. However, with a slight lesion and a short finding of cells without oxygen, there is every chance of a full recovery.
Who is most susceptible to micro strokes
Specialists identify a group of potential patients who are much more likely to encounter the first signs and symptoms of a microstroke at a younger age. This category includes people who suffer from the following problems.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system (especially if it is a violation of heart rhythm and hypertension of arterial type).
- Atherosclerosis of blood vessels. In this case, the deposition of cholesterol salts occurs, which remain on the inner lining and form plaques.
- Hereditary or acquired coagulation problems (e.g., antiphospholipid syndrome).
- Obesity (as well as those people who often consume a lot of fatty and sweet foods).
- Diabetes.
- Strokes or heart attacks in the past.
- A sedentary lifestyle (bedridden patients primarily belong to this category).
- Chronic fatigue, stress, and severe emotional distress.
Also, those who consume a lot of alcohol and often smoke have a risk of a micro stroke or stroke. To prevent an attack, you need to be able to recognize even the most inconspicuous signs of a microstroke.
Early performance
In the very first stages, a microstroke provokes very severe headaches that cannot be removed with standard analgesics. In this case, pain can occur sharply and disappear several times a day.
Also, the first signs and symptoms of a micro stroke include:
- increased fatigue;
- constant drowsiness;
- prostration;
- high blood pressure (blood pressure).
At the same time, patients believe that this is due to usual overwork.
More noticeable signs
Among the typical symptoms of a microstroke, it is worth highlighting increased anxiety, excessive sweating, palpitations, shortness of breath. Patients often complain of dizziness. A person can panic for no apparent reason.
Similar signs of a microstroke may occur equally or one of the conditions will be more noticeable. However, it is worth considering that a sharp headache that does not go away after taking the pills is already an occasion to consult a neurologist.
Dangerous signs of an attack
If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.
- Numbness of limbs, face and tongue. Very often, the main sign of a microstroke becomes a change in facial expressions. One of the corners of the mouth sinks strongly, the lip may sag, the patient cannot open his eyes on his own.
- Impaired hearing, smell, or vision. If the patient has "circles" or "flies" in front of his eyes, and he complains of tinnitus, then you need to call an ambulance.
- Speech impairment. In this case, the person begins to speak as if he is intoxicated. Very often, passers-by believe that another drunkard is going on a rampage, however there is a possibility that a person has had such an attack.
Microstroke: symptoms and first signs in men
If we talk about the representatives of the stronger sex, then, along with standard symptoms, they may manifest specific signs that indicate a worsening condition. First of all, when an attack occurs, a man begins to experience severe weakness in the limbs. Also, the appearance and “lump in the throat” are referred to the symptoms and the first signs of a micro stroke in men. For the stronger sex, it becomes very difficult to make swallowing movements.
In addition, vision impairment occurs. At the first sign of a microstroke in men, it begins to double in the eyes. Because of this, the gait is disturbed, and the person begins to resemble a drunk. Additionally, it is worth noting the increase in blood pressure. In representatives of the stronger sex, this symptom is more pronounced than in women. Also, signs of a micro stroke in a man include the appearance of goose bumps throughout the body, fatigue and drowsiness.
The main danger is that representatives of the strong half of humanity are quite careless about their own health, so they do not attach importance to such changes in their physical condition.
Microstroke: symptoms and first signs in women
The female half of the population first of all begins to suffer from mimic changes. For example, it becomes very difficult for a lady to smile. The mouth may become slightly distorted and numb. Also a sign of a microstroke in women is that they cannot hold their arms raised above their heads. Some women begin to suffer from severe hiccups. It is also worth paying attention to pain that is concentrated in one part of the body (right or left).
In addition, the first signs and symptoms of a microstroke in women include dry mouth and severe shortness of breath. A lady may begin to experience dizziness and nausea. Especially attentive to their health should be those women who go through the period of menopause, especially in a situation of severe menopause. Also at risk are girls who take combined oral contraceptives.
During an attack, the main sign of a micro stroke in a woman is a lack of coordination. Even with minor damage to the vessels, the vestibular apparatus of the fair sex “fails”. This can lead not only to a change in gait, but even to a fall.
The onset of a microstroke in women is often accompanied by severe weakness, chills, and increased sweating. Bright light and loud sounds begin to annoy strongly. As a rule, this mainly happens with women aged 60 or more.
The main danger of a female microstroke is that with an attack a very small volume of vessels is affected. Because of this, a woman may not even notice him at all, especially when it comes to young girls. Therefore, for headaches that do not go away after taking the pills, they are also recommended to undergo an examination.
Features of a children's microstroke
It is sad, but today such attacks happen even with the smallest patients. In this case, the likelihood of irreversible effects is significantly increased. If we talk about the causes that lead to this condition, then this is mainly due to injuries sustained at birth, and congenital heart defects.
If we are talking about representatives of the older age group, then in this case, the cause of a micro stroke can be unhealthy diet, heavy loads in school and various hereditary pathologies.
The first signs and symptoms of a microstroke in children are no different from how an attack occurs in an adult. If you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner, then there is a risk of disability and more serious consequences. Therefore, do not ignore the problems, believing that only pensioners can face such conditions.
The effects of microstroke on older people
If a person did not attach importance to the subtle first signs of a microstroke, then further events develop, depending on many factors. First of all, it is important to consider how many brain cells have suffered from the attack. If the brain stem suffered the most damage, then in this case there is a risk of developing central paralysis or a decrease in sensitivity in the area of damage to the body.
With damage to several parts of the medulla oblongata, peripheral paralysis can develop.
Most often in older people there is a partial immobility of the arms or legs. Often this problem is combined with disruption of the muscles responsible for facial expressions. Outwardly, a person looks as if he is wearing a mask. Paralysis can completely affect one side of the face.
Some patients have gait disturbance. The movements become asymmetrical, tremor of the head and the whole body appears. Changes can even affect a person’s handwriting (more often than not, it becomes more widespread).
If there is no treatment at the first signs of a microstroke, then this can result not only in an attack, but also in a subsequent damage to the optic nerve. In this case, during eye movement, frequent oscillatory movements (up to several hundred per minute) will be observed, as if a person had “eyes running”.
The presence of serious consequences directly depends on how quickly after the attack the person received first aid. If specialists managed on time, then brain damage, and, accordingly, the whole body, will be minimal.
If we talk about the serious consequences, then they include the following:
- Dyscirculatory chronic encephalopathy. This pathology is a multi-focal lesion of the human brain. This ailment manifests itself in the form of constant dizziness, nausea and jumps in blood pressure. Also, patients suffer from impaired memory, mindfulness and motor skills. With the subsequent development of the disease, it becomes difficult for patients to eat food, and the swallowing reflex is difficult. The person’s voice is coarse, there are bouts of sudden changes in mood (the patient may begin to laugh or cry for no reason).
- Sclerosis of the brain. This complication belongs to the category of the most severe. In this case, patients suffer from a serious neurological deficit. There is a slowdown in blood flow. If there is a complete blockage of large vessels, then this can cause necrosis (tissue necrosis). There is a risk of developing a severe form of ischemic or extensive stroke.
You need to understand that at a more mature age, the effects of microstroke become more pronounced. Some patients report impaired memory, speech, vision, concentration, and movement.
Elderly people who have suffered more than one microstroke become more tearful and irritable. They are often depressed and may suddenly become very aggressive. In the future, this can develop into dementia.
Recovery
As a rule, after an attack, doctors recommend rehabilitation in a medical facility. However, not everyone can afford such an expensive pleasure. Therefore, you should pay attention to recommendations that will help you recover faster at home.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the signs of a microstroke in a man or woman, since after an attack there is a high risk of its recurrence. It is also worth starting taking vasodilators and drugs to normalize fat metabolism. You need to spend more time in the fresh air and move more often. If the patient is recommended bed rest, then you need to make sure that he does not have pressure sores, and limbs do not numb.