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    Embolic Stroke

    Cardiology Image 1 Verified By Apollo Hospitals September 17, 2024

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    Embolic Stroke Definition

    An embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot that forms in the body breaks loose and travels to the brain via the bloodstream, eventually lodging in a blood vessel, blocking the blood flow, causing a stroke.

    Embolic Stroke Symptoms

    An embolic stroke, just like any other stroke has the same symptoms. These include:

    • Dizziness
    • Loss of balance
    • Trouble walking
    • Loss of vision in one or both eyes
    • Sudden numbness in an arm, a leg or face
    • Difficulty speaking or understanding words

    If you have any/some/all of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

    Embolic Stroke Risk Factors

    A number of factors can put you at risk for a stroke, or increase your chances of having a heart attack. These include:

    Lifestyle Factors:

    • Being overweight or obese
    • Heavy consumption of alcohol
    • Smoking
    • Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamines
    • Physical inactivity

    Medical Factors:

    • Diabetes
    • High cholesterol
    • Cardiovascular disease
    • Obstructive sleep apnea
    • History of strokes in the family
    • Older age – 55 and above
    • Gender – Men have a higher risk of having a stroke

    Other risk factors and complications for a stroke include:

    • Memory loss/thinking difficulties
    • Emotional problems
    • Pain
    • Paralysis
    • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
    • Changes in behaviour

    Embolic Stroke Diagnosis

    In order to determine what kind of treatment is necessary for your stroke, doctors will first check to see the areas of the brain affected by the stroke, and rule out any other possibilities that may be caused with similar symptoms. After the initial prognosis, your doctor will run the following tests:

    Physical examination:

    In this, the doctor will check your blood pressure, your heart beat, ask your family for your medical history and check for signs of any blood clots.

    Some of the tests done would include:

    • Blood tests
    • CT scan
    • MRI scan
    • Echocardiogram
    • Cerebral angiogram
    • Carotid ultrasound

    After the diagnosis made, the doctor will recommend the necessary treatment and care.

    Embolic Stroke Treatment

    In order to treat a stroke, the doctor must restore adequate blood flow to the brain. Depending on the severity, treatment may be given either through medication or surgery or other procedures.

    Treatment through medication:

    • Aspirin – given to reduce the likelihood of another stroke
    • Intravenous injection or plasminogen activator – to dissolve the blood clot causing your stroke

    Treatment through emergency procedures:

    • Medication given directly to the brain through a catheter
    • Mechanical clot removal using a catheter

    Surgical procedures:

    • Carotid endarterectomy
    • Angioplasty and stents
     

    Read more about our treatments for Neurological conditions Click here

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