What is ischemic stroke

It is usually caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. This keeps blood from flowing to the brain. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Another cause is stenosis, or narrowing of the artery. This can happen because of atherosclerosis , a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Transient ischemic attacks TIAs occur when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted briefly. Having a TIA can mean you are at risk for having a more serious stroke.

It is important to treat strokes as quickly as possible. Blood thinners may be used to stop a stroke while it is happening by quickly dissolving the blood clot. Post-stroke rehabilitation can help people overcome disabilities caused by stroke damage.

Some people need to lose weight , exercise more , give up smoking or drink less alcohol. You can find advice and information about reducing your risk on our website. If you have any questions about your medication, go back to your doctor or pharmacist and ask. Tell them if you are worried about side effects, as there will often be an alternative that you can take. Never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first. Stroke can have a powerful emotional effect on the individual and the people around them.

Stroke can change how people see themselves. Stroke usually comes as a big shock, and this shock can have a big emotional impact. Talking to the right people and finding answers to some of your questions will help you feel more in control of your situation and help you plan for the future. Around six months after you leave the hospital, you should get a review of your progress. This makes sure you are getting the right support if your needs have changed.

The review is sometimes carried out by a Stroke Association Coordinator, or by a specialist nurse or other stroke professional. If a review does not take place, contact your GP. Call if you think you are having a stroke. Home What is stroke? Diagnosis to discharge Childhood stroke Living with stroke After hospital discharge Effects of stroke Aphasia and communication Fatigue and tiredness Stroke publications Know your risk Are you at risk of stroke?

Ischaemic stroke Types of stroke 1. Types of stroke 2. Ischaemic stroke 3. Haemorrhagic stroke 4. Transient ischaemic attack TIA. The information on this page can be accessed in the following formats: Download this information as a pdf or large print document. On this page. What is a stroke?

Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits build up on the inside walls of your arteries. Small vessel disease Small vessel disease damages the tiny blood vessels deep inside the brain. Heart conditions : atrial fibrillation Some conditions can cause blood clots to form in your heart, which can then move through your bloodstream up into your brain. Arterial dissection Sometimes tears in the lining of an artery can develop and allow blood to get between the layers in your artery walls.

Brain scan If you have a suspected stroke, you should receive a brain scan, within one hour if possible. A brain scan can help doctors decide on the right treatment for you if are: Eligible for an urgent clot-busting alteplase injection thrombolysis.

Eligible for mechanical clot removal thrombectomy. Taking blood-thinning medication. Thought to have bleeding in or around your brain. Other checks and tests Your blood pressure is checked, and you will have blood tests for health conditions linked to strokes, such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

Who can have thrombolysis? If you are not suitable, it may be because: Your stroke was not caused by a clot. You do not know or cannot tell doctors when your symptoms began. You do not reach the hospital within the time limits for receiving thrombolysis within three hours but can be up to four and a half hours for some individuals. You have a bleeding disorder.

You have recently had brain surgery. You have had another stroke or head injury within the past three months. Your current medication is not compatible with alteplase. Thrombectomy Thrombectomy involves extracting the blood clot using a clot retrieval device. What happens if the clot is not treated?

Surgery In a very small number of cases, an operation may be needed to relieve pressure on your brain. How to reduce the risk of another clot. The first 24 hours after a stroke. What effects can a stroke have? Although the effect of each stroke is different, people may experience some of the following: Movement and balance problems.

Communication problems. Memory, concentration and thinking problems cognition. Problems being able to notice things to one side spatial neglect. Vision problems. S wallowing problems. Bladder and bowel problems. Fatigue severe tiredness. Rehabilitation You should receive rehabilitation soon after your stroke. These health conditions include: High blood pressure Atrial fibrillation irregular heartbeat Diabetes High cholesterol One of the best ways to reduce your risk is to carry on with any treatment you are given.

Suport after leaving hospital. Around a third of stroke survivors experience depression after a stroke. Try to find out as much as you can from professionals in the hospital before you leave. Your GP is the person to ask for help with health problems or support needs after leaving the hospital. You might need support from therapists, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and psychologists.

You might have a community stroke nurse. You may have a social worker. Depending on where you live, you may have help from a Stroke Association Coordinator. Tags :. Previous 1 Types of stroke 3 Haemorrhagic stroke Next.

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