Cerebral ischemia is caused by an interruption in blood supply to the brain, leading to brain cell death and potential impairments or death. It can be caused by strokes, trauma, or blood vessel abnormalities, and symptoms vary depending on the affected area. Treatment involves medication, surgery, or other interventions, and timely treatment can lead to recovery. Severe damage to areas responsible for regulating functions can result in coma or death.
Cerebral ischemia is an interruption in the blood supply to the brain, which cuts off the flow of oxygen and nutrients needed to keep brain cells functioning. Depending on the site of ischemia, extent and duration, the patient may develop impairments and be at risk of death. Several things can cause cerebral ischemia, including strokes, trauma to the brain, and blood vessel abnormalities. Neurologists are usually involved in treatment, and the patient may need medication, surgery, or other interventions.
The brain needs a lot of blood to function and the structure of the circulatory system is designed to meet this need. The freshly oxygenated blood travels up the carotid arteries to the head and neck, providing a constant blood supply to the brain. Even short interruptions can cause cerebral ischemia and potentially lead to a situation called an ischemic cascade, in which brain cells with an inadequate blood supply begin to die and release toxins that damage nearby cells, causing them to break down and release toxins, creating a ripple effect through the brain.
Most commonly, cerebral ischemia involves not the carotid artery, but one of the smallest blood vessels in the brain. Blood vessels can develop clots, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke. They can also rupture, or a patient can develop vascular malformations, in which vessels grow abnormally and fail to get blood to where it needs to go. A severe head injury can also cause ischemia by rupturing or crushing blood vessels to prevent blood from reaching certain areas of the brain.
Symptoms of cerebral ischemia vary according to the area of the brain involved. Things like slurred speech, confusion, vision changes and stiffness, as well as problems with muscle control are common. The onset of symptoms can be very rapid. If timely treatment is provided, there is a chance of recovery. Other patients may suffer brain damage and may need therapy to relearn some skills. In some cases, the damage cannot be addressed with treatment and the patient will have a permanent disability such as a lameness.
When cerebral ischemia affects areas of the brain responsible for regulating functions such as respiration, heart rate, and metabolism, it can lead to coma, a persistent vegetative state, or death. The brainstem cannot recover from severe damage. Minor damage to the brainstem can result in impairments that require the patient to use a ventilator for breathing.
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