Types of stroke, symptoms, how to recognize first aid for stroke. Medical blog

A stroke or acute cerebrovascular accident is a serious and extremely dangerous condition, the outcome of which directly depends on how quickly the victim can receive medical care. Doctors say that the first three to four hours after signs of impending trouble are detected are critical in this situation. What do you need to know about this disease so as not to miss the "alarm bell" and thereby, perhaps, save your own or someone else's life?

What is a stroke?

So, a stroke, as already mentioned, is an acute cerebrovascular accident due to a rupture or blockage of the blood vessels that feed the brain, which leads to the death or irreversible damage of its tissues. As a result, motor, behavioral, mental and emotional disorders of varying severity develop, and in severe cases - the death of the patient. The larger the area of damage, the more serious the consequences of a stroke.

Depending on the cause, a stroke can be ischemic or hemorrhagic. Each of these types is characterized by its own course, development mechanisms, and predisposing factors.

Let's briefly consider each of them.

Ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is also called cerebral infarction. This is the most common type of this disease, which occurs in almost 80 percent of all cases. In terms of the nature of its development, ischemic stroke is similar to myocardial infarction: damage to brain tissue occurs due to blockage of blood flow in the vessels that absorb it. For example, when it is blocked by an overgrown thrombus or atherosclerotic plaque, in case of embolism (the thrombus breaks off and is carried by the bloodstream directly to the brain vessels, which it then blocks), as well as stenosis (narrowing) or kinking of the vessel. Blood pressure indicators, heart problems, massive blood loss, etc. are of great importance in this case.

Despite the fact that cerebral ischemia is most typical for old age, one cannot help but note the clearly expressed tendency towards "rejuvenation" of this disease, which has been observed in recent decades.

Hemorrhagic stroke

The cause of hemorrhagic stroke or hemorrhage in the brain is a rupture of a weakened vessel wall caused by sharp jumps in blood pressure, including during a hypertensive crisis or as a result of severe traumatic brain injury. The spilled blood forms a hematoma, compressing the adjacent tissues and hindering their normal functioning, while brain cells die from lack of oxygen.

Although this type of stroke is less common than ischemic stroke, it is more severe and life-threatening. The most severe cases - hemorrhages in areas of the brain associated with vital functions, lead to the rapid, literally within a few minutes, onset of deep coma and subsequent death of the patient.

Hemorrhagic stroke affects both men and women almost equally, starting from the age of 45-50 years. It usually occurs abruptly and suddenly, after intense excitement or fatigue.

How to recognize a stroke

The nature of the symptoms of a stroke may depend on the location of the lesion, the degree of tissue damage, the type of stroke, the age and general condition of the patient, etc. However, in order to prevent its tragic consequences, it is necessary to clearly understand the most characteristic signs and manifestations that can indicate the beginning of the process.

So, the main symptoms of this condition include:

• a sharp jump in blood pressure up or down;
• irregular breathing or heartbeat;
• sudden loss or confusion of consciousness, hallucinations;
• sudden loss of coordination of movement, loss of balance, dizziness;
• sharp headache in the absence of obvious reasons for it;
• impaired speech or understanding of other people's speech;
• characteristic facial asymmetry: dilation of one pupil, diverting of the eyeball to the side, drooping corners of the mouth and eye, as well as the sail symptom - puffing out of the cheek on one half of the face;
• sudden numbness or weakness of the arm ("arm hung like a whip") or leg on one side of the body, outwardly turned foot of one leg.

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms in someone, try to conduct a simple but quite reliable test - it will help to recognize ischemic stroke.

1. Smile. Ask the person to smile widely or show their teeth. In case of a stroke, the smile will be asymmetrical, with the face tilted to one side.
2. Start talking. Ask them to say or repeat a simple phrase after you. In case of a stroke, a person will most likely not be able to understand and clearly pronounce even simple phrases. Their speech will be confused and unintelligible.
3. Raise arms. Ask the patient to raise both arms and hold them outstretched in front of them for several seconds (90? when standing or sitting and 45? when lying down). In case of a stroke, this is quite difficult to do, since one of the arms will immediately begin to drop.

It is important to know that a stroke is a condition in which every minute is of great importance. If at least one of the test tasks gives a positive result, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance. Remember that the sooner the patient receives professional medical care, the greater the chance of survival and full recovery.

What can be done before the doctor arrives

• Place the person so that his head is raised by about 30?. To avoid bending the neck and disrupting the blood flow through the vertebral arteries, both the head and shoulders should be on the pillow.
• Provide access to fresh air in the room, trying to avoid drafts. Remove tight clothing, unbutton your belt, unbutton your shirt collar, etc.
• Immediately measure blood pressure. If the readings are high, give the medicine that the patient usually takes in such cases.
• If vomiting begins, turn the victim's head to the side to prevent vomit from entering the respiratory tract. Remove dentures from his mouth and try to clean it from vomit as thoroughly as possible.
• If for some reason it is not possible to call an ambulance, find a way to transport the patient to a medical facility yourself. Transportation in the back seat of a car with open windows (in a lying position) is allowed. It is necessary to start drug treatment as soon as possible.

Finally, I would like to note that no matter how terrible the diagnosis may seem at first, do not despair - timely medical care, as well as subsequent rational rehabilitation with the joint participation of the patient, his loved ones and an experienced neurologist, dramatically increase the chances of a person who has suffered a stroke to return to a full life after a stroke.