Brain Stroke Treatment in Noida, Delhi Ncr, India

Overview

A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when brain cells die suddenly due to a deprivation of oxygen. This can happen due to a blockage in the blood flow or the rupture of an artery supplying the brain. Symptoms may include sudden loss of speech, memory difficulties, or paralysis on one side of the body.

Types of Brain Stroke

There are three primary types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type, accounting for about 80-85% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, often due to a blood clot.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing bleeding within or around the brain.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Also known as a “mini-stroke,” it involves a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, producing symptoms similar to a stroke. TIAs are warning signs of a potential future stroke.

Brain Stroke Symptoms

The acronym FAST can help identify early stroke symptoms:

• Face: Facial drooping or numbness
• Arm: Weakness in the arms or inability to lift both arms
• Speech: Slurred speech
• Time: The critical time to call for emergency medical assistance is within 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms

Additional symptoms may include:

• Confusion, slurred speech, memory loss
• Loss of consciousness or dizziness
• Lack of coordination and balance, difficulty standing or walking
• Paralysis or weakness, particularly on one side of the body
• Sudden severe headaches, often with vomiting or altered consciousness
• Blurred vision, double vision, or blind spots
• Sudden behavioral changes, such as aggression
• Difficulty swallowing

Causes of Brain Stroke

Common causes include:

• Atherosclerosis: Plaque build-up in the arteries, narrowing or blocking blood flow to the brain
• Hypertension: High blood pressure damaging brain blood vessels
• Cardiac Issues: Conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart disease causing blood clots
• Diabetes: High blood glucose levels damaging blood vessels
• Smoking: Damaging blood vessels
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Increasing stroke risk
• Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition to stroke
• High cholesterol, stress, insufficient sleep, and pollution

Brain Stroke Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves:

• Physical Examination: Checking for signs of stroke like numbness, speech issues, vision problems
• Neurological Examination: Assessing reflexes, muscle strength & coordination
• Imaging Tests: MRI and CT scans to detect brain bleeding or damage
• Blood Tests: Checking for clotting disorders, high cholesterol, or other conditions
• Angiography: Identifying blockages in blood vessels
• Carotid Ultrasound: Detecting blockages in the carotid artery

Brain Stroke Treatment Options

Treatment modalities include:

• Medications: Thrombolytic drugs, anti-platelet drugs, and anticoagulants to dissolve blood clots
• Surgery: Removing clots or repairing blood vessels, such as mechanical thrombectomy
• Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and quitting smoking
• Support Groups: Providing emotional support and coping mechanisms
• Experimental Treatments: Stem cell therapy and other innovative approaches
• Cognitive Therapies: Improving memory, attention, and problem-solving

Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

At Metro Institute of Neurosciences, the primary goal is to restore blood flow to the brain using:

• Thrombolytics: Drugs like aspirin and heparin within 4.5 hours of stroke onset
• Mechanical Thrombectomy: Specialized devices to remove or break up clots
• Carotid Endarterectomy: Removing plaque and widening the carotid artery
• Angioplasty: Using a balloon to widen the carotid artery, held open by a stent

Treatment of Hemorrhagic Stroke

Surgical methods for hemorrhagic stroke include:

Aneurysm Clipping: A clamp placed at the aneurysm base to isolate it from blood flow

Aneurysm Embolization (Coiling): A catheter deposits a coil in the aneurysm, causing clotting

Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Removal: Removing smaller, accessible AVMs to prevent rupture

Stages of Brain Stroke Recovery

Recovery stages include:

Acute Phase: Initial stage, focusing on stabilizing the patient and preventing complications

Subacute Phase: Rehabilitation and therapy to improve physical and cognitive function

Chronic Phase: Long-term recovery, focusing on community reintegration and independence

Maintenance Phase: Ongoing therapy and support to maintain function

Complications of Brain Stroke

Potential complications include:

• Weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Vision problems
• Difficulty swallowing
• Cognitive impairment
• Depression
• Persistent headaches
• Blood clots
• Seizures
• Increased infection risk

Brain Stroke Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Quitting smoking
• Controlling blood pressure
• Managing diabetes
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Getting enough sleep

Approach Towards Treatment for Brain Stroke

The best approach is to act FAST. Ischemic stroke treatment is most effective within 6 hours of onset, with thrombolytic drugs given within 4.5 hours. Mechanical thrombectomy is possible up to 6 hours, and in select patients, up to 24 hours.

Expertise in Brain Stroke

Metro Center for Neurosciencesis equipped with modern diagnostic and therapeutic options, state-of-the-art facilities, and a team of highly skilled neurosurgeons, neurologists, and specialized nurses. Our 24/7 Stroke Helpline (8527227768) provides immediate assessment, and our advanced Bi-plane cath labs offer high-resolution 3D imaging for safer, better treatment with reduced radiation exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can stroke be cured?

Stroke is not typically curable, but recovery and rehabilitation can significantly improve symptoms and functional abilities.

Can stress cause a stroke?

While stress can increase the risk by raising blood pressure and heart rate, it is not a direct cause. Genetics & medical conditions also play a role.

What is the prognosis of a stroke?

The prognosis varies greatly depending on the stroke’s severity, the affected brain area, and the individual’s overall health.

Reviewed by Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta, Director – Metro Group of Hospitals, Managing Director – Metro College of Health Sciences and Research, Sr. Consultant – Neurology on 06-July-2024