An acute stroke is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It can be caused by arterial blockage or hemorrhage and is often associated with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Symptoms include impaired motor skills, coordination, and cognition, as well as unilateral weakness or paralysis. Treatment depends on the cause of the stroke and may involve medications, surgery, and rehabilitation.
An acute stroke is a potentially life-threatening cerebrovascular event in which the brain is temporarily deprived of oxygen. Marked by a momentary interruption to blood flow, an acute stroke requires immediate medical attention and, if left untreated, can result in permanent disability or death. Generally associated with arterial blockage, treatment depends on the cause of the stroke and usually involves the initial administration of medications to stabilize the individual’s condition. Subsequent treatment for an acute stroke may require surgical measures to reduce the chance of a recurring stroke.
A preliminary diagnosis of acute stroke is determined by several diagnostic tests. An assessment of neurological function is usually done to assess the individual’s sensory, motor, and cognitive abilities. Initial physical evaluations usually involve imaging tests, including a computed tomography (CT) scan, of the brain to pinpoint the origin of the stroke and confirm a diagnosis. Additional diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiogram and carotid ultrasound, may be done to evaluate the extent of arterial narrowing or other potential contributing factors.
Several situations can contribute to the occurrence of a stroke. A blockage traveling to the brain or forming within the carotid artery, known as an embolism or thrombosis, respectively, can impair blood flow resulting in an acute ischemic stroke. A brain hemorrhage or hemorrhage can also cause an acute stroke. Depending on the location and severity of the bleeding, a hemorrhagic stroke can be aneurysmal in origin or result from chronic hypertension.
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle significantly increase the chance of an acute stroke. Individuals diagnosed with certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are often considered to be at increased risk for stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident. Engaging in risky or unhealthy behaviors that promote arterial constriction, such as smoking, can also contribute to circumstances leading to stroke.
Symptoms of a stroke are usually patterned in presentation, but can vary in severity and duration. Some people suddenly develop impaired motor skills, coordination, and cognition. Frequently, an acute stroke also induces unilateral weakness or paralysis affecting the limbs, meaning one side of the body loses function. The length and severity of the stroke usually determine whether temporary or permanent disability occurs.
An acute ischemic stroke often requires the use of oral and intravenous medications designed to relieve blood vessel constriction and thin the blood. Surgery, including carotid angioplasty, can be performed to remove the arterial blockage responsible for cutting off blood flow. If the stroke is hemorrhagic, more extensive treatment is usually needed to reduce swelling and minimize bleeding, including neurosurgery to repair the damaged vessel.
The duration and course of post-stroke rehabilitation and recovery depends entirely on the location and severity of the acute stroke. If the cerebrovascular accident was severe, the individual may have permanently lost some functions of the system, such as the ability to move the bowels independently. Some individuals may require therapy to try to restore use, strength and function to affected areas. Several factors, including general health and age, are typically considered when developing a comprehensive program to meet an individual’s rehabilitation needs.
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