[Doctor Supervision] What are the warning signs of a stroke? Explanation of treatment, mortality rate, and recurrence rate.

A stroke is a disease caused by a blockage in the blood vessels inside the brain.

Many patients require long-term care after contracting the disease, so early treatment is key to preventing long-term complications.

 

This article will discuss the causes, warning signs, treatment, mortality rates, and recurrence rates of cerebral infarction.

Please use this information to protect yourself and your family.

 

 

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a disease in which brain cells are damaged when blood vessels in the brain become blocked, preventing blood flow to that area. Brain cells die when they do not receive enough oxygen and energy, and once they die, they can never be revived. The functions and sensations that were performed in that area are lost, resulting in permanent disabilities. However, with current medical technology, if appropriate treatment is received within 4.5 hours of onset, the chances of avoiding permanent disabilities increase significantly. If you experience any warning signs of a stroke, be sure to seek medical attention.

 

 

Causes of cerebral infarction

The cause of cerebral infarction varies depending on the type, as described below.

 

Lacunar infarction: This condition occurs when small blood vessels in the brain become blocked.

- Atherothrombotic cerebral infarction: This condition occurs when relatively large blood vessels become blocked due to arteriosclerosis.

Cardiogenic cerebral embolism: This condition occurs when a blood clot formed in the left atrium of the heart, caused by arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, blocks a blood vessel in the brain.

 

 

Risk factors for cerebral infarction

While there are risk factors for cerebral infarction, such as a family history of cerebral infarction, being male, and aging, the following diseases and lifestyle improvements can help prevent it.

 

• High blood pressure

・Diabetes

・Dyslipidemia (hyperlipidemia)

atrial fibrillation

Chronic kidney disease

Hyperuricemia

Smoking habits

・Drinking habits

·obesity

・Lack of exercise

• Excessive salt intake

·stress

Metabolic syndrome

 

 

 

 Warning signs of cerebral infarction

While strokes often strike suddenly, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) can sometimes precede them. A transient ischemic attack is a condition in which the brain does not receive enough blood, resulting in the following temporary symptoms.

 

• Motor and sensory impairments: numbness in one of the limbs, inability to sense temperature or pain, difficulty swallowing.

・Visual impairment...constriction of the visual field, loss of half of the field of vision

- Speech impairment: Difficulty speaking clearly, slurred speech, inability to understand language.

Balance disorders: dizziness, unsteadiness, difficulty walking

 

 

These symptoms often subside within a few tens of minutes and are therefore frequently overlooked, but they represent a dangerous condition that significantly increases the risk of stroke. If you notice any unusual symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

 

 

 

Treatment for cerebral infarction

For stroke treatment, it is crucial to start treatment as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms.

The basic treatment involves medication and rehabilitation, but surgery or catheter treatment may also be performed depending on the situation and cause.

 

 

cerebral infarctionTreatment methods for the hyperacute phase

In the hyperacute phase, up to 4.5 hours after the onset of a stroke, a thrombolytic agent called alteplase (t-PA) is administered intravenously. This can dissolve the occluded blood clot and restore blood flow to the brain, potentially leading to a dramatic improvement in symptoms.

 

 

cerebral infarctionTreatment methods for the acute phase

In the acute phase of ischemic stroke, treatment involves intravenous administration of neuroprotective drugs and microcirculation-improving drugs.

 

 

Treatment methods for chronic stroke

In the chronic phase of cerebral infarction, treatment and rehabilitation are carried out to prevent recurrence. Treatment of lifestyle-related diseases and heart disease that require control, as well as guidance on smoking and alcohol abstinence, are also necessary.

 

Drug therapy

• Antiplatelet agents… These prevent the formation of blood clots that cause cerebral infarction.

• Anticoagulants… These inhibit blood clotting caused by conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

• Antihypertensive drugs: In the chronic phase of cerebral infarction, blood pressure is lowered to some extent to suppress recurrence.

 

surgery

• Vascular anastomosis (bypass surgery): This is a surgical procedure to connect blood vessels to areas of the brain where blood vessels have become blocked and blood flow is impaired.

• Carotid endarterectomy: This surgery involves cutting open the narrowed artery and removing the plaque that has accumulated inside. It is performed when carotid artery stenosis is severe and drug treatment is insufficient.

Cervical internal carotid artery stenting... This treatment involves placing a mesh-like metal cylinder called a stent into a narrowed artery to relieve the narrowing of the blood vessel.

 

 

Rehabilitation

If you have residual effects from a stroke, rehabilitation will be implemented. It is said that the sooner rehabilitation is started, the easier it is for the remaining parts of the brain to compensate for the lost functions.

 

 

Mortality rate from cerebral infarction

Because strokes are often detected before they become severe, the mortality rate is kept to around 10%. However, long-term after-effects are common, making early treatment crucial.

 

Stroke recurrence rate

Stroke has a very high recurrence rate; it is said that the recurrence rate after one year is about 10%, after five years it is about 35%, and after ten years it is about 50%.

The condition tends to worsen with each subsequent occurrence, so it is important to take steps to prevent recurrence.

 

 

Summary of strokes

This article provided information about cerebral infarction.

 

- Functions and sensations lost due to a stroke cannot be recovered.

Treatment within 4.5 hours of symptom onset improves the prognosis.

Improving health and lifestyle habits can help prevent strokes.

If you experience symptoms such as numbness in your hands and feet, dizziness, or speech difficulties, these may be warning signs.

The mortality rate from cerebral infarction is approximately 10%.

The 10-year recurrence rate for cerebral infarction is approximately 50%.

 

If you suspect you have symptoms of a stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

 

On the other hand, advancements in "regenerative medicine" technology, which utilizes the body's own stem cells to treat conditions while minimizing the burden on the body, are also making it a recommended option for those who want to take steps to prevent strokes.

Omotesando Helene Clinic specializes in regenerative medicine that is gentle on the body, and has performed over 8,000 cases both domestically and internationally. It has also obtained the "GCR: Global Clinic Rating" certification, which is proof that it exceeds international standards.

 

"I'm concerned, but I can't decide if prevention is really necessary right now." "I haven't decided whether to get treatment, but I'd like to hear more first." Even in such cases, there's absolutely no problem. Sometimes, you might be unknowingly facing a life-threatening risk, so...Please feel free to contact us anytime.

 

• Inquiry form (LINE, WeChat, email support):https://heleneclinic.com/contact/

[Regenerative Medicine Outpatient Clinic] 03-3400-2277

(If you read the article and would like to receive a free consultation, please let us know and we will guide you through the process.)

 

Supervised by: Dr. Yasushi Tsuda