Stroke – SP Medifort Hospital

Stroke Treatment

Stroke Treatment in Trivandrum

A stroke (also known as a brain attack) is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This interruption prevents brain cells from receiving oxygen and nutrients, causing them to die within minutes. Prompt treatment is critical to reduce brain damage, disability, or death.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Stroke?

Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly and require immediate medical attention.

Sudden numbness or weakness.
Vision problems.
Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
Difficulty walking.
Dizziness.
Loss of balance and coordination.
Headache.

What are the different types of Stroke?

Strokes are diagnosed based on how blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Recognizing the type helps guide treatment and prevention.

Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, occurring when a blood clot or fatty deposit blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. The blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain tissue, causing cells to die and resulting in sudden neurological symptoms.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into or around the brain. The bleeding increases pressure in the skull and damages brain tissue. It can result from high blood pressure, aneurysms, or trauma and often has a sudden, severe onset.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini‑stroke,” a TIA occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked. Symptoms are similar to a stroke but usually last for minutes and do not cause permanent damage. However, a TIA is a serious warning sign of future stroke risk.

What causes Stroke?

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, or a blood vessel bursts, and several medical, lifestyle, and genetic factors can trigger this event.

High blood pressure (hypertension): Persistently high blood pressure damages blood vessel walls and greatly increases the chance of both blockages and ruptures, making it the leading cause of stroke.
Atherosclerosis and blood clots: Fatty plaques build up in arteries (atherosclerosis), narrowing them and promoting clot formation. If a clot blocks a brain artery, it cuts off blood flow and causes an ischemic stroke.
Heart conditions: Irregular heart rhythms (like atrial fibrillation), heart valve disease, and other cardiac issues can form clots that travel to the brain and trigger a stroke.
Diabetes and high cholesterol: High blood sugar and elevated cholesterol levels damage blood vessels and accelerate plaque buildup, increasing the risk of blockages and stroke.
Smoking, alcohol & lifestyle factors: Tobacco use, excessive alcohol, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet contribute to vessel damage, high blood pressure, and clot risk, all of which raise stroke chances.
Age and family history: Stroke risk increases with age and if close family members have had a stroke, partly due to shared genes and health patterns.
Other medical and environmental factors: Conditions like obesity, sleep apnea, kidney disease, and exposure to air pollution also contribute to stroke risk by affecting blood vessel health.

Diagnosis of Stroke

Stroke is diagnosed quickly and accurately using a combination of medical evaluation and imaging tests.

Medical History & Physical Exam: A healthcare professional reviews your symptoms and risk factors and performs a physical and neurological exam to assess strength, reflexes, speech, balance, and responsiveness.
Blood Tests: These help check blood sugar, clotting status, and other markers that can influence diagnosis and treatment decisions.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain and can detect brain tissue damage from a stroke that may not be visible on CT.
CT Scan (Computerized Tomography): A CT scan uses X‑rays to produce detailed brain images and can rapidly show if there is bleeding in the brain or other abnormalities.
Cerebral Angiography: A more detailed imaging procedure where dye is injected into blood vessels to highlight blockages or abnormalities in arteries supplying the brain.
Carotid Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to visualize the carotid arteries in the neck and detect plaque buildup or narrowing that might cause an ischemic stroke.
Echocardiogram: Sound‑wave imaging of the heart can identify a cardiac source of clots that may have traveled to the brain.

What are the Stroke risk factors?

Several factors increase stroke risk.

High Blood Pressure (hypertension): Damages blood vessels and increases the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
High Cholesterol: Excess cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, narrowing them and promoting clot formation that can lead to an ischemic stroke.
Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar speeds up blood vessel damage and increases the risk of stroke.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking raises blood pressure, increases clot risk, and contributes to arterial damage.
Obesity: Contributes to high blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy cholesterol.
Heart Conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation): Irregular heart rhythms and other cardiovascular diseases increase the likelihood of blood clots that can travel to the brain.
Excessive Alcohol or Drug Use: Raises blood pressure and increases clotting and bleeding risk.
Age: Stroke risk rises significantly after age 55.
Family History: A family history of stroke or heart disease increases personal risk.
Gender: Men have a slightly higher risk, though women are at risk later in life.
Race and Ethnicity: Some racial groups, such as African Americans, have higher stroke rates due to genetic and socioeconomic factors.

What treatment options are available for Stroke?

Stroke treatment depends on the type of stroke

Treatment for Ischemic Stroke: Ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Treatment aims to quickly restore circulation and prevent further clots. Clot-busting medications like tPA are given through an IV to dissolve the clot and are most effective when administered soon after symptoms begin. In some cases, a mechanical thrombectomy is performed, where a catheter is used to remove large clots from the brain arteries. After initial treatment, doctors often prescribe medications such as aspirin or other blood thinners to reduce the risk of another stroke. An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Treatment aims to quickly restore circulation and prevent further clots.

Treatment for Hemorrhagic Stroke: Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding and increased pressure on brain tissue. Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding, reducing pressure, and managing complications. Medications are used to lower blood pressure and prevent further bleeding. In some cases, surgical procedures such as aneurysm clipping, coiling, or removal of accumulated blood may be necessary to relieve pressure and repair damaged vessels. Doctors also closely monitor for complications like brain swelling, seizures, and other issues to support recovery and prevent further damage.

Supportive Acute Care: Supportive care for stroke includes continuous monitoring of vital signs, managing oxygen, fluids, and nutrition, and preventing complications such as infections, blood clots, or bedsores.

Rehabilitation and Recovery: Stroke recovery focuses on regaining skills and independence. This includes physical therapy to restore strength and mobility, occupational therapy to relearn daily activities, speech and language therapy for communication, and psychological support to address emotional and cognitive challenges.