Stroke is an attack in the brain occurring when blood supply to the brain stops due to blockage in the carotid artery, a major artery that supplies oxygen from the heart to the brain. When the supply of oxygen and glucose is cut off or limited, one experiences stroke and should be hospitalised immediately. There are two main types of strokes, Ischemic stroke is when excessive fat and cholesterol (plaque) deposits and clogs the blood vessel limiting the supply of nutrients. Blood clots also form blockage in brain blood vessels that may have traveled from other body parts.
Hemorrhagic stroke happens when the brain blood vessels rupture and burst open, leaking out blood into the brain space damaging brain cells by pressuring them. Strokes should be treated at earliest possible, after symptoms appear, you should immediately see the doctor. Several diagnosis tests are done to determine the type of occurred stroke including physical examination, Blood test, CT and MRI scan, Carotid ultrasound, angiogram and cardiogram. Strokes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling blood pressure and diabetes. Routine check ups and learning stroke symptoms could save more lives. Recent research and development is done in MRI scans to help predict stroke risks. It is developed by scientists at the University of Oxford to predict the richness of cholesterol in carotid arteries. If the content of cholesterol is high, it tends to clog up and form plagues leading to stroke eventually.
Earlier, the risk of stroke was measured by the size of the plaque in the carotid artery and if the plaque is too large it will be removed but when they are of smaller size doctors usually prescribe other medication, this could be risky due to chances of further plaque accumulation. With this new MRI scan technology, it can determine cholesterol level accurately thereby, differentiating between stable plaques and risky plaques. This new technology helps doctor identify patients with stroke risks and plan their treatment preliminarily. Lab tested plaque that was surgically removed verifies that stroke risk is higher in plaques with higher cholesterol amount. Further in depth study of this method aims to specify which plague is more likely to cause blood vessel rupture and lead to hemorrhagic stroke.
Ischemic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Stroke are both treated differently, FDA approved Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) drug is given to the victim to dissolve blood clot. Surgeons may perform a carotid endarterectomy by removing plaques from the carotid artery or angioplasty to dilate the artery with the by inserting stent through catheter. Hemorrhagic stroke is treated by repairing the ruptured blood vessels and stop bleeding to reduce pressure on brain tissue. Another approach to stroke treatment is neural stem cell transplant which involves injecting healthy stem cells directly into the brain to restore and regenerate stronger brain cells. This method has been proved effective and successfully alleviated most strokes symptoms while improving motor functioning of the brain. There are no harmful side effects or immunisation issue.
At Unique Access Medical, we offer compelling stem cell treatment plans for many degenerative and chronic diseases including brain stroke. Please contact us and our patient representatives shall get in touch.
H/T: Guardian
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