Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke is a neurovascular disease in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. When deprived of essential oxygen and nutrients, brain cells stop functioning and die within minutes. Because of the speed at which strokes cause damage, it’s essential to receive appropriate treatment right away.

What Causes Ischemic Stroke?

Ischemic stroke most commonly occurs when arteries in the neck and head narrow and become blocked by blood clots. When a blood clot obstructs the same artery where it formed, it creates a condition known as thrombosis. In other cases, the clot may dislodge and move along the circulatory system, causing an embolism.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, smoking, diabetes and obesity can all increase a person’s risk for ischemic stroke. Other risk factors include certain drugs and medications, traumatic injuries and some blood clotting disorders. While stroke can happen to anyone, it most commonly affects individuals over the age of 60.

What are the Treatment Options for Ischemic Stroke?

In order to treat ischemic stroke, doctors must remove or break up the blood clot causing an obstruction. This can be accomplished with medications in many cases. However, time is of the utmost importance when using this type of treatment, and some patients may be ineligible for it because they arrived at a hospital too long after their stroke occurred.

When clot-breaking drugs cannot be used, doctors rely on a procedure known as a thrombectomy to eliminate clots. During this process, a catheter is inserted in a groin artery, providing access to the clot in a patient’s brain. A combination of a stent retriever and suction are then used to remove the clot. As with medical solutions, this treatment must be executed within a specific timeframe.

After a stroke, neurorehabilitation services are often required. Neurorehabilitation uses a multidisciplinary approach to address physical and psychological needs, helping patients recover lost functionality and restore quality of life. Our advanced facilities employ state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology to provide patients with the best possible care to support positive outcomes throughout recovery.