A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a certain part of one’s brain is cut off, resulting in impaired brain function, as the brain tissues are prevented from getting the nutrients and oxygen they need. Once a stroke occurs, brain cell death occurs rapidly and a person’s condition can quickly deteriorate and in some cases result in death. There are three kinds of strokes that display similar symptoms:
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): TIAs result in brief stroke symptoms due to temporary blood flow blockage. These can be indicators of an impending and more severe stroke, hence it is essential to seek help immediately.
Ischemic Stroke: Ischemic strokes occur when an artery in or to the brain is blocked. It is essential to seek help immediately to minimise any possible functional damage to the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures, leading to impaired body function. This includes intracranial hemorrhages (bleeding inside the brain) and subarachnoid hemorrhages (bleeding between the brain and the surrounding membranes).
A stroke is a medical emergency, and if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you must seek immediate medical assistance.
- Trouble speaking, or understanding what others are saying
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Hand tremors
- Paralysis or numbness on one side of the body (in the face, arms or legs), resulting in difficulty raising both arms or drooping on one side of the face
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, coordination
- Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes or sudden sensitivity to light
- Sudden, severe headaches
- Nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing
- Loss of consciousness
The blockage or rupturing of a blood vessel are the two leading causes of a stroke. There are many factors that may exacerbate the risk of a stroke occurring.
- Lifestyle risk factors (treatable conditions):
- Obesity and physical inactivity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
Medical risk factors (mostly untreatable conditions):
- Age
- Head trauma
- Cerebral aneurysm
- Personal or family history of high blood pressure, strokes, or cardiovascular disease
Stroke screening involves consultation, blood tests, MRI/CT scans, and ultrasound scans, combined with cardiac and vascular evaluation. Stroke screening is best suited for individuals who are at high risk of a stroke, showing none or some pre-warning symptoms.
We offer different treatment plans for stroke: Prevention and Acute Treatment
When the stroke has not yet occurred, we offer stroke prevention with stroke screening:
- Medication optimization
- Risk factor control to reduce the likelihood of strokes occurring
When the stroke is occurring, we offer acute treatment:
- Clot retrieval from blocked brain artery
- Aneurysm coiling to stop bleeding
For recurrent ministrokes (TIA) or strokes:
- Evaluation of the cause – Stenting of narrowed or blocked arteries
- Open surgery to remove artery blockages
