Ictus: Understanding Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke, Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment Recommendations
Ictus, also known as a stroke, is a medical emergency that requires urgent attention. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to damage or death of brain cells. There are two types of Ictus; ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.
Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies the brain with oxygen and nutrients is blocked by a blood clot. This blockage starves the brain cells of oxygen, which leads to damage and/or death. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for around 85% of all strokes.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding in the brain. This bleeding can lead to brain damage and/or death. Hemorrhagic stroke is less common than ischemic stroke, accounting for around 15% of all strokes.
Prevention
Preventing Ictus is crucial. Some ways to reduce your risk of having a stroke include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Symptoms
Some common signs and symptoms of a stroke include:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden vision changes
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden severe headache
Treatment Recommendations
Stroke is a medical emergency, and time is of the essence. The faster treatment can be administered, the better the chances of reducing damage and improving outcomes. The main treatment for ischemic stroke is the use of clot-busting drugs called thrombolytics, which can dissolve the clot and restore blood flow to the brain. In some cases, mechanical thrombectomy, where the clot is physically removed, may be necessary. Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke is focused on controlling bleeding and managing blood pressure.
Summary
Ictus, or stroke, is a serious medical emergency that requires urgent attention. There are two types of stroke; ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Preventions to reduce the risk of stroke include a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing other medical conditions. When symptoms of a stroke are seen, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for an ischemic stroke includes clot-busting drugs and, in some cases, mechanical thrombectomy. For hemorrhagic strokes, treatment involves controlling bleeding and managing blood pressure. #HEALTH