Treating Ischemic Stroke
Treating Ischemic StrokeStroke happens when blood flow doesn’t get to brain cells and they die, causing a loss of the bodily functionthose cells support.Most strokes are ischemic.An ischemic stroke occurs when an artery becomes blocked, keeping brain cells from getting oxygen. Thosecells weaken and die within minutes.Time lost is brain lost. It’s important to get medical attention immediately. Call 911 if you or someone you knowmay be having a stroke.Ischemic strokes are commonly caused by a disease called atherosclerosis, when plaque made up ofcholesterol, fat, and other substances, builds up in the inner lining of an artery.This can make the vessel narrow, limiting blood flow and making it easier for blood clots to form.Blood clots may grow large enough to block a narrowed vessel or pieces of the clot make break off and travelto a smaller vessel, where it gets stuck and stops blood from getting through.If you think you or another person are having a stroke, no matter what type, it’s very important to get helpquickly so emergency medical teams can tell what kind of stroke you’re having and the right type of treatmentcan begin.Commonly used diagnostic tests to figure this out allow doctors to see your brain.This might include a CT or CAT scan, or an MRI. Both of these specialized brain scans can help doctors makethe right treatment decision quickly.Treatment for ischemic stroke is aimed at getting rid of the blockage and getting blood flowing to the brainagain.When someone having a stroke gets to the hospital in time, they may be able to receive a drug to dissolve theclot and restore blood flow.When given within three to four and a half hours from the first signs of ischemic stroke, this treatment can limitthe degree of brain injury and make recovery easier.For some people, mechanical thrombectomy may also be recommended.In this procedure, doctors use a catheter to thread a small wire cage through an artery in the groin to the arteryin the brain with the blockage. The doctor opens the wire cage, grabs and removes the clot.If thrombectomy is recommended, it should typically be done within six hours of the first stroke symptoms,though sometimes can be beneficial up to 24 hours after the first signs of stroke.Know these common symptoms of stroke and call 911 if you or someone near you is having one or more ofthem:This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG57508A EN TreatingIschemicStroke.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 2Treating Ischemic StrokeSudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the bodySudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speechSudden trouble seeing in one or both eyesSudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordinationSudden severe headache with no known causeYou can also use the letters in F.A.S.T. to spot stroke signs:F – Face droopingDoes one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven orlopsided?A Arm weaknessIs one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?S SpeechIs speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simplesentence.T Time to call 911If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to thehospital immediately.Ischemic strokes are the most common kind of strokes.They can result in permanent changes to your life but learning to recognize the symptoms of a stroke andgetting help quickly may help you limit injury and have an easier recovery.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG57508A EN TreatingIschemicStroke.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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