Dr. Riddhi Patel Dave
(Interventional neurologist and stroke specialist
Shalby hospital Ahamdabad)
Strokes are serious medical conditions that can happen to anyone, but understanding what they are and how they can be treated is the first step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. This guide will walk you through what a stroke is, how to recognize one, and the exciting advances in treatment known as neurointervention.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is suddenly cut off or reduced. Without enough blood, your brain doesn’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs, and this can lead to brain cell damage. There are two main types of strokes you should know about:
- Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, this occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, stopping blood flow.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain.
Symptoms of a Stroke
Strokes often come on suddenly, and the quicker you recognize them, the better. A useful acronym to remember is BEFAST, which stands for:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
- Eyes: Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Face: Sudden drooping or numbness, usually on one side of the face.
- Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm.
- Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty understanding.
- Time: If you notice any of these symptoms, time is critical – get medical help
In addition to BEFAST, other symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
- Confusion or difficulty speaking and understanding speech.
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination.
What is Neurointervention?
When someone has a stroke, particularly an ischemic stroke caused by a clot, rapid medical intervention is key. Neurointervention is a specialized area of medicine focused on treating stroke and other brain conditions using minimally invasive techniques. Unlike traditional open surgery, these procedures often involve just a small incision or even a thin tube (catheter) that is threaded through a blood vessel.
Types of Neurointervention for Stroke
There are several neuro-interventional procedures used to treat strokes:
- Thrombectomy: This procedure removes a blood clot from the brain. A doctor inserts a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin or arm, then guides it up to the brain to physically remove the clot. It’s most effective when done as soon as possible after the stroke occurs.
- Thrombolysis: In this technique, doctors use medication, delivered through a catheter, to dissolve the clot. Like thrombectomy, it’s most effective when performed shortly after stroke symptoms begin.
- Endovascular Coiling: This procedure is used for hemorrhagic strokes (when a blood vessel bursts). Tiny coils are placed in an aneurysm (a weakened spot in the blood vessel) to prevent it from bleeding again.
Why is Neurointervention Important?
Neuro-intervention can be a lifesaver, especially when it’s done quickly after a stroke. Some of the benefits include:
- Restoring blood flow to the brain: This helps reduce the amount of damage to brain cells.
- Minimizing long-term brain damage: The quicker blood flow is restored, the less permanent damage the stroke may cause.
- Improving recovery: Patients who receive neurointervention often have better outcomes and a higher quality of life after a stroke.
Conclusion
Understanding the signs of a stroke and the importance of quick treatment can significantly improve a person’s chance of recovery. If you or someone near you shows signs of a stroke, act fast and seek medical help right away. With modern treatments like neurointervention, we have more tools than ever to fight strokes and help people recover. Remember, when it comes to strokes, time is brain – the faster you act, the better the outcome!
