Many people are concerned about the causes of stroke, symptoms and treatment, as well as what constitutes the disease. The disease is very dangerous in its course and existing complications that affect a person after the acute phase of the disease is eliminated. The only way to save the patient is urgent hospitalization and emergency measures to normalize well-being.
It is very important to know what the causes of a stroke may be, so that it is possible to carry out preventive measures in a timely manner and prevent the occurrence of this disease.
Disease feature
Regardless of the causes of a stroke, it is a pathological change in blood circulation in the brain, manifested in neurological lesions.
As a result of these processes, some parts of the brain lose their functional abilities, which negatively affects the functioning of organs and systems controlled by these areas.
Classification
The classification of strokes is quite broad and includes provoking causes, a development mechanism, a feature and the magnitude of the lesion. It is customary to distinguish such species as:
- ischemic;
- hemorrhagic;
- lacunar;
- extensive;
- spinal;
- acute;
- microstroke;
- repeated.
Ischemic stroke is one of the most common brain damage among all other types. Its cause may be a violation of the delivery to the brain cells of nutrients and oxygen, which can occur due to narrowing of blood vessels. Hemorrhagic stroke is a consequence of rupture of cerebral vessels, as a result of which, blood fills the cavity. This leads to the formation of a hematoma and swelling.
Extensive stroke - any massive lesion. It has more severe symptoms and often leads to the death of the patient or disability for a long time. In addition, they are classified by severity.
Ischemic stroke
The most commonly observed is ischemic brain damage. It is diagnosed mainly in the elderly, over the age of 60 years. Among the main causes of ischemic stroke are:
- change in blood properties;
- heart disease
- arterial pathology;
- diabetes;
- bad habits.
Often such an attack occurs completely unexpectedly, at night. The mechanism of this process is based on impaired patency of blood vessels. This is mainly due to blockage and narrowing of the arteries. In this case, the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the brain cells is disrupted, which provokes their necrosis.
As a rule, the causes of ischemic stroke are closely interrelated with various diseases that occur in the body. When a certain part of the brain is disconnected from the blood circulation, the symptoms of the disease appear within the first hours and can persist for more than a day. Independently, the disease can occur with the formation of thrombosis as a result of smoking, stress, malnutrition, hypothermia.
It is important not only to know the causes of the stroke, but also what are its main types according to the degree of damage. In particular, such varieties are distinguished as:
- transistor;
- small;
- progressive;
- extensive.
The microstroke or transistor is the easiest to leak, since a small area is affected and the tissues are restored literally within a day. According to the pathogenesis of the ischemic form of stroke is divided into such types as:
- thromboembolic;
- hemodynamic;
- lacunar.
A thromboembolic type of disease is characterized by the formation of a blood clot, and is also associated with embolism of the arteries, as well as atherosclerosis. A pathological process proceeds with an increase in symptoms throughout the day and may have focal lesions of different sizes. The hemodynamic type provokes vascular spasms and a prolonged deficiency of nutrients. It is often caused by low blood pressure, myocardial ischemia, and bradycardia. It can appear in the form of a sharp attack or in steps.
The lacunar type affects small arteries. It is formed mainly in the subcortical areas and has a small lesion. Among the main provoking factor, hypertension should be distinguished.
Hemorrhagic stroke
Intracerebral hemorrhage may be due to exposure to injuries. In addition, among the main causes of hemorrhagic stroke, it is necessary to highlight the abnormal penetration of the walls of the vessels. As a result of this, they rupture and release of blood, which leads to blocking the function of the brain areas. Basically, vascular permeability changes due to frequent arterial hypertension.
With this type of disease, brain cells are damaged. The causes of hemorrhagic stroke are due to blood clots and spasms of blood vessels occurring in the background:
- vitamin deficiency;
- intoxication;
- atherosclerosis.
In addition, a violation can occur under the influence of high pressure provoked by hypertension. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurs completely unexpectedly with rupture of blood vessels. Often a similar condition occurs during the day under the influence of significant psychological and physical stress and stress.
Subarachnoid Stroke
The causes of a subarachnoid type of stroke are associated with a head injury or rupture of an aneurysm. Damage to a blood vessel located on the surface of the brain provokes the release of blood into the space located between the meninges.
Among the irritating factors, drug use, anemia, and poor blood coagulation should be highlighted. Often, this type of hemorrhage is localized in the lower part of the brain, as well as on the surface.
Causes of occurrence
Despite the fact that age is the main provoking factor, however, among the main causes of stroke, it is also necessary to distinguish such as:
- hereditary factor;
- smoking;
- malnutrition;
- lack of physical activity;
- the presence of concomitant diseases.
In people who have suffered a stroke, mainly several provoking factors are observed. The highest risk group includes older people, especially if they often have high blood pressure, they lead a sedentary lifestyle and are overweight. However, young people are also not immune from the occurrence of this disease.
Often a stroke is observed in men, but kills more often than women. This is largely due to average life expectancy. The causes of stroke in women may be associated with contraception and pregnancy.
Equally important is racial affiliation. Most often, the disease affects ethnic minorities. The greatest difference is observed in young people. According to studies, socio-economic factors have a great influence.
Among the main causes of stroke in men and women, smoking should be highlighted. If a person smokes a pack of cigarettes a day, then he has a much higher risk of developing the disease than non-smokers. It can remain very high for up to 14 years after quitting smoking.
Among the main causes of stroke in young people are alcohol abuse and drug use, especially methamphetamine and cocaine. In addition, anabolic steroids attached to sports accessories and athletic clothing significantly increase the risk.
Anti-inflammatory drugs and frequent stress can lead to the onset of the disease.
The onset of the disease in childhood
The causes of stroke in children are mainly associated with factors such as:
- congenital malformations of the brain vessels;
- hemolytic anemia;
- dangerous infectious diseases;
- DIC syndrome.
Since the child’s nervous system is able to recover, with proper timely treatment, normalization of health and brain functions can be achieved.
The main symptoms
The first signs of a stroke are very dependent on the location and size of the lesion. It is worth noting that the symptoms of hemorrhage can be more pronounced, and with an extensive lesion, the patient usually dies. In a person who feels bad, one can assume vascular disorders according to such signs as:
- numbness of certain parts of the body;
- loss of control;
- headache;
- double vision and visual impairment;
- sensory and motor disorders;
- vomiting, dizziness, nausea.
All these symptoms can only be recognized by the patient, provided that he is conscious. However, often an acute disturbance in cerebral circulation causes a fainting condition, from which the patient cannot exit.
Be sure to know what are the causes and symptoms of a stroke, so that you can provide timely medical assistance to the victim. It is worth remembering that a person in this state should not be shaken, trying to sit down, since such actions will only aggravate well-being.
In the acute period of any type of stroke, neurologists distinguish cerebral and neurological disorders. The development of cerebral signs is based on hypoxia due to ischemia or increased pressure and hemorrhage. Among the main symptoms are:
- severe headaches;
- impaired consciousness;
- nausea and vomiting
- cramps.
Neurological manifestations indicate damage to a certain area of ​​the brain. Among the main symptoms can be distinguished such as:
- violation or complete loss of motor functions;
- violation of sensitivity on the opposite side of the lesion;
- change in eye position;
- omission of the corners of the mouth;
- speech impairment;
- the occurrence of pathological reflexes.
All these signs are very important in terms of prognosis, as well as determining which part of the brain is affected.
If the lesion affects the subarachnoid space, then this is accompanied by:
- severe headache;
- severe cerebral symptoms;
- the onset of a coma.
Neurologists consider a damage to the brain stem as a dangerous condition, since the most important nerve centers that provide vital functions of the body are concentrated in this area. In this case, a stroke becomes the cause of the death of the patient, since a very severe hemorrhage occurs. Among the main symptoms, it is necessary to distinguish:
- loss of consciousness and coma;
- bilateral paralysis;
- violation of sensitivity;
- violation of swallowing function;
- impaired breathing and cardiac activity.
Extensive hemorrhage in the ventricles of the brain poses a very serious threat to the patient's life. Among the main signs, it is necessary to highlight a sharp violation of consciousness and a coma.
Cerebral hemorrhage threatens a very rapid development of edema, which leads to the death of the patient. Among the main signs of this condition, it is necessary to highlight:
- severe headache in the back of the head;
- vomiting
- dizziness;
- lack of coordination;
- speech disorder.
Since the frontal lobes are responsible for many functions that determine the personality, then their defeat leads to mental disorders, as well as convulsive seizures. Human behavior changes dramatically almost beyond recognition, however, paralysis, motor and speech disorders are also observed.
With damage to the temporal region, signs such as:
- hearing impairment;
- loss of ability to perceive sounds;
- the formation of temporal lobe epilepsy;
- hallucinations.
It is imperative to know what the main causes of stroke and the symptomatology of the course of the disorder can be, as this will allow timely assistance to the patient, which increases his chances of recovery.
Diagnostics
The causes of a brain stroke can be very different, as well as its symptoms. However, it is very important to conduct timely comprehensive diagnostics in order to detect the disease. The sooner it can be diagnosed, the better the prognosis for the patient and the greater the chance of recovery. Diagnostics includes:
- physical and neurological examination;
- studying the patient’s medical history;
- laboratory tests;
- display tests.
Many of these procedures are used to assess the risk of future major strokes. For patients whose defeat is very severe, first of all, it is necessary to determine the type of the course of the disease, since drug therapy is prescribed on the basis of the data obtained and some drugs are most effective only in the first 3-4 hours after the lesion. However, if the disease was triggered by bleeding, then these drugs will only increase it, which will lead to the death of the patient.
For diagnostics, such techniques are used as:
- dopplerography;
- tomography;
- angiography;
- electrocardiogram;
- echocardiography.
Dopplerography allows you to study blood circulation in the veins and arteries by applying ultrasound. This study allows you to determine the presence of blood clots, impaired blood flow, as well as many other problems. High-frequency sound waves are directed to the desired area of ​​the brain.
Tomography can distinguish between ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Angiography is an invasive procedure, with deep penetration into the patient's body. It can be used in case of need for surgery, and also allows you to detect aneurysm.
An electrocardiogram evaluates the activity of the heart muscle and its features, which is important for the examination of the patient. Echocardiography is used to examine the valves and chambers of the heart. This will determine the presence of blood clots or risk factors for blood clots.
First aid
Regardless of the cause of the stroke, first aid must be provided in a timely and correct manner. The most important thing is to immediately call an ambulance, and before the doctor arrives, you need to remove all excess clothing, unfasten the belt. Then lay the victim on a pillow so that his head is above bed level.
Ensure the flow of fresh air into the room, as well as periodically measure the pressure so that the doctor understands the peculiarity of the condition. If the pressure is elevated, then it is worth giving the patient a drug that he usually took to lower it. If there are no required medicines in the house, then you just need to lower the patient's legs in hot water.
With nausea, all measures must be taken so that vomit does not enter the respiratory tract. A stroke patient is transported strictly in a prone position.
Treatment
The causes and treatment of stroke can be very different, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the patient, as well as the type of disease. The most important thing is to take action in the first 6 hours after the attack. Treatment begins with eliminating problems with the heart and respiratory system. The normalization of cerebral circulation, as well as the stabilization of the composition of the blood, is important.
With cerebral ischemia, a drug such as Actilize is used. In addition, anticoalulants are required, for example, Fragmin, Heparin, neurotrophics - Glycine, Piracetam. Since the patient may have blood clots, its thinners are required, for example, Cardiomagnyl, antiplatelet agents Tiklid, and vasoactive drugs Sermion and Trental.
Since the causes of a hemorrhagic type of brain stroke are associated with rupture of blood vessels, it is more severe than ischemic. In the presence of hemorrhage, consultation with a neurosurgeon is required, as well as an operation to remove a blood clot or clamping a vessel.
It is worth remembering that there are no effective medications to treat this disease. Drug therapy is prescribed only for the prevention of complications and the prevention of re-stroke.
Stroke rehabilitation
Regardless of the causes of stroke in men and women, as well as their age, after treatment, a comprehensive rehabilitation is required. A violation of cerebral circulation leads to the formation of a pathological focus in the brain, and the cells around it are in a state of reduced activity or complete inhibition. Timely therapeutic measures will help return their activity.
It is necessary to start carrying out rehabilitation measures even during the patient’s stay in the hospital. Much depends on the psychological mood of the patient. All ongoing recovery activities are monitored by a neurologist or rehabilitologist. Rehabilitation includes:
- medications;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- psychotherapy
- physiotherapy exercises.
It is also important to teach the patient lost or impaired skills. In patients who underwent a microstroke, they recover literally within a month.
It is very important to clearly and systematically perform all the exercises recommended by the doctor without missing a single day. The peculiarity of physiotherapy exercises must be agreed with the attending doctor.
With a long recovery period and a tendency to cramps, massage has a good effect. Proper execution significantly improves blood circulation in the tissues and helps to reduce congestion. In addition, massage helps regulate muscle tone.
The treatment of a speech disorder requires the help of a speech therapist-aphasiologist. Performing training exercises using special techniques, the patient can begin to pronounce words much faster, and then whole sentences. . , .
Consequences of a stroke
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Very often, after a stroke, a person has a violation of sensitivity, which is characterized by a lack of ability to feel heat, cold, pain, or even the part of the body itself. In addition, the consequences can be manifested in the development of a pain syndrome, which can be different in intensity and localization.
How many live after a stroke
Regardless of the cause of the stroke in women and men, no one can say for sure how long they live after the disease. Each case is individual, as is the person affected by this violation. According to statistics, 35% of deaths occur in the first month after treatment, 50% - in the first year. Sometimes death occurs almost immediately, and in some cases a person can live a very long time and recover almost completely.
The most common causes that lead to the death of a patient are:
- smoking;
- diabetes;
- hypertension
- atherosclerosis;
- heart diseases.
With a combination of two or more factors, the risk of death is significantly increased. To increase life expectancy, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures and lead a healthy lifestyle. Particularly carefully you need to follow all these recommendations in the first months after a brain lesion, since during this period there is a high probability of relapse.
Possible complications
There are various causes of a stroke in men and women, which lead to very dangerous complications, which is why in order to normalize well-being, you must strictly follow all the recommendations of your doctor. Complications after a previous stroke are mainly associated not with the violation itself, but with the patient’s prolonged lying position.
As a result of this, pressure sores often occur. Their development begins with the formation of blue-red patches and tissue necrosis gradually occurs. This is a very painful process, and it is difficult to treat.
In addition, pneumonia is considered another dangerous complication. Its development is due to the fact that the process of expectoration of sputum is disrupted. Due to stagnation, its accumulation and subsequent infection occurs.
Thrombosis in bedridden patients is often hidden under edema of paralyzed limbs, which significantly aggravates the situation. With a blood clot, the consequences can be very dangerous. The lack of movement often leads to a worsening of intestinal motility, which can lead to the development of an inflammatory process, as well as intestinal obstruction.
A common complication of a stroke is coma. The prognosis in this condition can be different and strictly individual, however, it is worth preparing for a long rehabilitation period and making maximum efforts to recover.
Prevention
Since the causes of stroke at a young age and in the elderly can be very different, it is important to carry out comprehensive prevention in order to prevent the development of such a condition. This disease is much easier to prevent than to treat for a long time. Preventive measures include:
- proper organization of work and rest;
- sleep regulation;
- good nutrition;
- stress prevention;
- restriction of salt in the diet;
- timely treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
The best way to avoid a stroke is to prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. Blood pressure monitoring and testing for diabetes are very important. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe drugs that normalize the microcirculation of the vessels of the brain, and it is also possible to take medications that prevent the development of hypoxia.
After a stroke, it is important to prevent its recurrence. The risk is significantly increased with hypertension, pathology of the heart valves, arrhythmia, diabetes, heart failure. Prevention should last at least 4 years and at the same time maintain a healthy lifestyle.