Stroke is a medical emergency and is ranked as the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. It also causes long-term damage that negatively affects the patient's quality of life. Stroke occurs when blood and oxygen flow to brain cells is interrupted for a sufficient period of time, leading to the death of these cells. In this article, we will review the signs that may precede a stroke, as well as how to deal with its symptoms before they occur, through the Dalili Medical website.
In the early stages of a mini-stroke or transient ischemic stroke, where it is difficult to distinguish between a mini-stroke and a full-blown stroke, you should call an ambulance immediately and request an ambulance. Remember that a mini-stroke or transient ischemic stroke is a warning sign that you may be at risk of having a full-blown stroke in the future. A careful examination can help your doctor determine the best ways to reduce your chances of having a full-blown stroke.
Yes, blood clots in the brain can be treated. Treatment options include anticoagulants, thrombolytics, and mechanical clot removal. Early detection and prompt treatment greatly improve outcomes. Patients who have suffered brain damage may also require rehabilitation.
Brain clots can be treated, but outcomes depend on several factors such as the cause of the clot, its type, size, location, and the patient’s overall health. Early recognition and prompt intervention are vital to a successful recovery.
Although the body has natural mechanisms to break up clots, blood clots in the brain often require medical intervention. Anticoagulants can prevent new clots from forming and allow the body enough time to dissolve existing clots.
To reduce your risk of blood clots, avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, trans fats, red and processed meats. Reduce your salt intake and alcohol consumption, as excessive intake can increase your risk of blood clots.
Yes, severe or chronic stress can indirectly contribute to the formation of blood clots in the brain. Stress can lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits that increase your risk of developing conditions associated with blood clots.
Definitely yes!!! If you think you have had a mild or transient stroke before, but the symptoms have passed and you have not received medical advice in time, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. Because he can determine whether you need to be transferred to the hospital and follow-up.
Even if the symptoms go away while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive, it is still necessary to undergo a detailed examination in the hospital.
Causes of Mini Stroke
During a transient ischemic attack, a blood vessel that supplies the brain with oxygen-rich blood becomes blocked.
This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that is present elsewhere in the body and migrates to the blood vessels in the brain, although it can also be caused by fatty substances or air bubbles.
Blood tests depend on examining how quickly the blood clots, and whether blood sugar is high or low.
Some studies have indicated that blood tests show protein molecules, which can lead to stroke and heart attack.
Given that this type of stroke is usually transient and involves a small area of the brain, it does not pose a great danger to the patient, but it is very dangerous to go through this stroke without checking the circumstances and cause of its occurrence, because a high percentage of people who have had a severe stroke have had a minor stroke recently, for example in the previous three months. Therefore, the patient must be treated and prevented from complications of a full stroke in the event of any type of stroke, no matter how transient. A minor stroke can be dangerous if left untreated.
**Signs indicating a possible stroke**Signs that may precede a stroke include changes in facial features, such as drooping of half the face, where a drop in the corner of the mouth and cheek may appear, which is a prominent symptom indicating the risk of a stroke.
The person may suffer from temporary memory loss, which lasts for a few moments or up to a day, then returns to normal.
The patient may feel numbness and weakness on one side of the body, which may lead to suddenly dropping objects held in his hands, or losing the ability to move the hand or foot for a certain period.
Signs of confusion and slurred speech also appear, as the person may speak incomprehensible words or lose the ability to speak completely.
Symptoms also include visual disturbances, such as sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or changes in the range of vision, such as the appearance of a dark spot in the middle of the vision or restriction of the range of vision, which is an important warning sign.
The person may have difficulty walking due to muscle spasms or loss of control of the foot, which affects the coordination of movement.
The person may feel dizzy and lightheaded, in addition to losing the ability to regulate body movement and losing balance.
Changes in the person's behavior may also occur.
The most severe headache isDivorce, as it is one of the symptoms that precede the occurrence of a hemorrhagic stroke, specifically bleeding in the subarachnoid area of the brain (Subarachnoid Hemorrhage). The patient suffers from a very severe headache, which is considered the worst in his life, as he has never experienced a headache of such severity. This headache may appear days or even weeks before the occurrence of the hemorrhagic stroke, and occurs as a result of a small amount of blood leaking from damaged blood vessels to the sensitive membrane surrounding the brain. This slight leakage causes a severe headache, accompanied by a feeling of nausea and vomiting, in addition to a stiff neck, and in some cases, the patient may suffer from blurred and blurred vision.
A stroke or cerebral thrombosis is a medical condition that occurs as a result of a sudden disruption in blood flow to the brain, affecting one or more of the blood vessels that feed the brain. This disruption leads to a deficiency in the oxygen and nutrients necessary for brain cells, which may cause damage or disruption of these cells. The sooner blood flow to the brain is restored after a stroke, the better the chances of recovery and the better the outcome.
When a stroke occurs, the blood supply is not enough to meet the brain cells' needs for oxygen and glucose, which leads to the death of some of these cells. Strokes are divided into several types, including:
. **Transient ischemic attack**: Also known as a minor stroke, it is caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow. It can be considered a warning before a full stroke occurs.
. **Ischemic stroke**: These are strokes caused by a blockage of blood flow, and are the most common type of stroke.
. **Hemorrhagic stroke**: These occur as a result of damage to blood vessels, which leads to bleeding in the brain tissue or surrounding areas.
Idiopathic stroke: Strokes that occur for no apparent reason.
**Stroke Complications**
Severe damage to different areas of the brain can lead to complications such as:
- **Memory loss**: Memory loss may be temporary or severe enough to affect daily functioning, leading to conditions such as dementia.
- **Emotional instability**: Stroke patients may experience inappropriate emotional reactions to situations, in addition to depression.
- **Muscle paralysis**: Loss of motor control may lead to difficulty swallowing, speaking, moving limbs, and loss of other functions. Treatment can help improve the ability to perform tasks, unless the damage is severe.
- **Chronic headache**: Irritated tissue in the brain, such as that resulting from bleeding, can cause recurring headaches.
- **Locked-in syndrome**: Refers to complete paralysis of the body except for the eye muscles, limiting activity to eye movements only. This condition is often the result of a severe stroke affecting the brainstem.
- **Epileptic Seizures**: They occur as a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to convulsions that affect physical and mental abilities.
- **Coma**: Conditions such as brain swelling, blood loss, and severe damage to the brainstem can lead to a coma.
These symptoms indicate a possible stroke:
The main symptoms of a mild or transient ischemic stroke are known in English as FAST, which is an abbreviation for the words: Face, Hands, Speak, and Time.
1- Face:You may notice that the facial muscles deviate to one side, which may lead to a loss of the ability to smile, as the mouth and eyes tend to one side of the body.
2- Hands:A person suspected of having a stroke may have difficulty raising or holding both hands, due to weakness or numbness in one hand.
3- Speaking:These people may find it difficult to pronounce words, and their speech may become interrupted and confused. The person may also be unable to speak at all.
4- Time:If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else, you should call an ambulance immediately.
**Main benefits of physiotherapy for patients who have had a stroke**
Physiotherapy exercises help restore movement in the affected limbs and improve the range of motion of the joints.
Stretching exercises help reduce stiffness and increase muscle flexibility.
Strength training targets weak muscles, enabling patients to perform daily activities more independently.
Balance and coordination exercises reduce the risk of falling and enhance the patient's ability to move with confidence and independence.
Gait training using assistive devices such as crutches or walkers helps patients regain their ability to walk better.
Physiotherapy exercises can help relieve pain resulting from stroke or muscle spasms through massage and manual therapy techniques.
Improving the ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, eating, and personal care enhances the patient's independence and improves their quality of life.
These exercises also contribute to improving mental health by enhancing a sense of independence and self-confidence.
Exercise and physical activity can help reduce depression and anxiety.
It also helps reduce the risk of complications.
Exercise can help improve heart and lung function, leading to improved endurance and overall fitness.
Education and advice should be provided on how to cope with daily challenges, as well as how to exercise at home to ensure continued improvement.
By improving physical abilities, patients can regain their normal lives and integrate into social and work activities faster.
There are many causes and risk factorsAssociated with the occurrence of brain clots, however, there are cases that doctors cannot accurately determine the cause.
Common causes of stroke include:
- **Head injuries:** Shocks and impacts resulting from falls or accidents can damage blood vessels and cause bleeding in the brain, which prompts the body to form a clot to stop the bleeding. If this clot does not dissolve, it may obstruct blood flow, leading to a stroke.
- **Traveling clots (embolism):** These are clots that form in one part of the body and then travel to a blood vessel in another area such as the brain. These traveling clots often cause damage to other parts of the body before reaching the brain.
- **Atherosclerosis:** This occurs as a result of the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances on the walls of blood vessels, making hardened arteries vulnerable to rupture, which may lead to the formation of a clot in the affected area.
In addition to the above-mentioned causes, there are some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of brain clots, including:
- Bacterial infection in the vein.
- Use of oral hormonal contraceptives in women.
Obesity.
Kidney dialysis.
** Cardiac arrhythmia** (abnormal heartbeat).
** Arteriosclerosis** (the dilation increases the likelihood of weak spots in the artery, which can lead to it rupturing and forming a clot).
**. Symptoms of a stroke before it happens**
Symptoms of a stroke include:
- Sudden paralysis or weakness in the face, arm, or leg.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Sudden vision problems.
- Severe headache or dizziness.
**. Symptoms of a transient ischemic attack or mini-stroke**
The symptoms associated with a transient ischemic attack or mini-stroke are similar to those of a major stroke.
*. Symptoms of stroke in young people**
Although strokes are more common in older people, they can also affect young people. Possible symptoms of this condition include dizziness, numbness in parts of the body, headache, and difficulty speaking.
**. Stroke Symptoms in Women**
Strokes in women can occur as a result of high blood pressure during pregnancy, the use of certain types of contraceptives, or the consumption of tobacco products.
Symptoms of stroke in women differ from those in men, as symptoms include weakness, sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea.
**Symptoms of stroke in the elderly**
As you age, your risk of stroke increases. Symptoms in the elderly include numbness in the face, in addition to problems with vision and speech, changes in behavior, and headache.
The discussion of stroke symptoms before it happens discusses the available methods for diagnosing it, which include:
1. **Diagnosis through the face**
The possibility of a stroke can be detected by asking the person concerned to smile. If one side of the face is noticed to be drooping, this may be a sign of a stroke.
2. **Diagnosis through the arm**
A stroke can be diagnosed quickly when any symptoms appear, by asking both arms to be raised. If one arm drops, this may be an indication of a stroke.
3. **Diagnosis through speech**
A stroke can also be diagnosed by asking the person concerned to speak. If you notice any difficulty speaking or stuttering, this may be evidence of an impending stroke.
It is necessary to call an ambulance immediately when you notice any symptoms of a stroke, as some types of strokes may not respond to treatment after 3 hours of their occurrence.
A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency, so it is necessary to get immediate medical care when its symptoms appear or a head injury occurs. The treatment plan aims to dissolve the blood clot and prevent it from occurring again. Treatment options include:
1. **Anti-clotting medications**: These medications are given intravenously, such as heparin, which dissolves the clot quickly, and warfarin, which helps prevent new blood clots from forming in the long term.
2. **Clot removal by surgery or catheterization**: A catheter can be used to dissolve or remove the clot from the affected blood vessel. There are two types of surgeries: the first involves making holes in the skull to relieve pressure on the brain, and the second requires cutting part of the skull to remove the clot and then reattaching the cut part.
After removing the clots, the doctor may place stents to keep the arteries open, especially if the clot is caused by carotid atherosclerosis.
**Physiotherapy methods for stroke patients**
Repetitive, targeted exercise, which focuses on specific goals, is the main component of the neurophysiotherapy program.
The physical therapy plan depends on the part of the body affected or the ability that was damaged as a result of the stroke, and may include the following:
- **Motor skills exercises**: These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles and improve coordination between them.
- **Motor training**: The patient learns how to use mobility aids, such as walkers or wheelchairs.
- **Restriction therapy**: The healthy limb is restrained to stimulate movement of the affected limb, which helps strengthen its motor function.
- **Range of motion therapy**: This includes a set of exercisesRen specialized that helps the patient regain the full range of motion of the injured part.
Motor exercises play a role in overcoming these damages by reconnecting and stimulating the neural circuits in the brain, in a process known as neuroplasticity.
**Stretching exercises**
- **Arm stretching exercise:** Sit on a chair and extend your arms forward, then slowly raise your arms over your head. Hold this position for a few seconds, then return to the original position.
- **Leg stretching exercise:** Sit on a chair and extend your front leg, then try to reach your toes with your fingertips. Hold this position for a few seconds, then return to the original position.
**Strengthening exercises**
- **Straight leg raise exercise:** Lie on your back and slowly raise your injured leg up and down. Repeat this exercise several times.
- **Resistant arm raise exercise:** Use a resistance band or light weight and raise your injured arm up and down.
**Balance Exercises**
- **Standing on one foot:** Try standing on one foot for a short period of time, and you can use a stable surface for support if necessary.
- **Lateral Movement Exercise:** Stand with your feet together, then slowly move sideways in short steps.
**Coordination Exercises**
- **Grab and Drop Exercise**: Use small balls or other objects that can be grabbed and dropped to improve hand-eye coordination.
- **Reciprocal Touch Exercise**: Sit down and place your affected hand on a table, then try to touch each finger with your other hand.
**Walking Exercises**
- **Walking with Assistance**: Use crutches or a walker if necessary, and start walking short distances, then gradually increase the distance.
- **Walking and Balance**: Try to walk in a straight line to improve balance and coordination.
**Sit and Stand Exercises**
- **Sit and Stand Exercise**: Sit in a chair, then try to slowly stand up and return to sitting. Repeat this exercise several times.
- **Sit-to-Stand Exercise with Resistance**: Use a resistance band around your knees and try to stand up and then sit down again.
**Hand and Finger Exercises**
- **Ball Grip and Release Exercise**: Use a foam ball, squeeze it and then release it.
- **Finger Movement Exercise**: Try to touch your thumb to each finger of the same hand in succession.
**Breathing Exercises**
- **Deep Breathing Exercise**: Sit in a comfortable position, breathe deeply through your nose, hold your breath for several seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth.
- **Inhale and Exhale Exercise**: Lie on your back and place your hands on your stomach, breathe deeply through your nose and feel your stomach rise, then slowly exhale through your mouth.
### 1. Home Rehabilitation Tools
Home rehabilitation tools can help boost your motivation during your stroke recovery, especially if you feel bored following printed exercise sheets. It is advisable to contact your therapists for recommendations on appropriate treatment strategies. These tools encourage users to perform a large number of repetitions of traditional exercises, which contributes to improving the recovery process.
### 2. Daily Physical Therapy Exercises for Stroke
While regular physical activity focuses on building muscle strength, physical therapy exercises for stroke activate the brain, enabling it to send motor signals to the muscles. The goal of rehabilitation is to stimulate neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and acquire new skills.
When a stroke affects a specific area of the brain, neuroplasticity creates new pathways in healthy parts of the brain. By practicing home rehabilitation activities on a regular, daily basis, the brain can get the motivation it needs to reshape itself and increase its functional efficiency.
Strengthening muscles is also a goal during stroke recovery to help prevent muscle atrophy caused by lack of use. Stroke rehabilitation physical therapy is the most common and widespread form of effective treatment after stroke.
3. Constraint-Induced Motor Therapy (CIMT) for Arm or Leg Paralysis
Constraint-Induced Motor Therapy (CIMT) is an advanced form of physical therapy that aims to help stroke survivors who have hemiplegia or weakness on one side. This therapy involves reducing movement on the unaffected side, forcing the patient to use the affected side.
CIMT is challenging, and often begins as part of a rehabilitation plan in a medical center, then continues at home.
4. Restore Hand Function with Mirror Therapy
Mirror therapy is a technique that aims to enhance communication between the hand and the brain, and is particularly helpful for people who have hand paralysis or limited movement.
In this type of therapy for stroke survivors, a mirror is used to cover the affected arm, while displaying the reflection of the healthy arm. While looking into the mirror, the patient performs hand rehabilitation exercises.
Even though you realize you are only moving one hand, the brain is tricked into thinking you are moving both hands. This process contributes to enhancing neuroplasticity and gradually improving movement in the affected hand.
**5. Mental exercises to relieve paralysis**
Mental practice is a technique of mentally training a specific activity before actually doing it. Professional athletes use this method to improve their skills, and elderly patients can also benefit from it. Mental practice is particularly useful for people with paralysis who are unable to move without assistance, as it allows the brain to reorganize itself without the need for actual movement.
Blood clots in the brain can be prevented through lifestyle modification and medical treatment.
Regular physical activity contributes to enhancing circulationHealthy blood circulation, which reduces the risk of clots.
Maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking are essential steps.
Controlling blood pressure and diabetes are also vital.
Staying hydrated and taking breaks during long periods of inactivity can also help prevent clots.
Compression stockings may be helpful for some individuals in this regard.
It is important to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods and salt, as well as reduce alcohol intake.
Tackling the underlying causes of potential clots and managing health problems are essential prevention strategies.
Discussing medications with your doctor is also an essential step towards comprehensive prevention.