CEREBRAL/BRAIN ISCHEMIA
Cerebral ischemia is a condition that occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demand.
- When this occurs usually due to a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, it reduces the oxygen to the brain, leading to death of the brain tissue, cerebral infarction or ischemic stroke
- The longer the problem persists the more dangerous and damaging the ischemia will be
- An interruption in blood flow to the brain for more than 10 seconds causes unconsciousness and after a few minutes it generally results in irreversible brain damage
- It is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) if the ischemia is brief and resolves before permanent damage can occur.
TYPES AND CAUSES
Focal ischemia is confined to a specific region of the brain and usually occurs when a blood clot has blocked an artery in the brain. Blood flow to that specific region of the brain reduces, increasing the risk of death to that particular area. It can either be caused by thrombosis or embolism
Global ischemia encompasses wide areas of the brain tissue and occurs when the supply of blood to the brain has stopped or greatly reduced. This is usually caused by a heart attack.
Other diseases and irregularities that may cause cerebral ischemia includes:
- Sickle cell anemia
- Plaque buildup in the artery
- Compressed blood vessels
- Congenital heart defects
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Extremely low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Heart disease
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may be mild or severe. They can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Symptoms may become permanent if the brain becomes damaged as a result of ischemia.
They include:
- Weakness or paralysis on one or both sides of the body
- Loss of sensation on one or both sides of the body
- Confusion or disorientation
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Slurred speech
- Changes in the vision of one or both eyes
- Drooping of the face on one side
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The doctors will make a diagnosis based on symptoms.
Imaging tests may also help with diagnosis
TREATMENT
The treatment of brain ischemia involves different medications to help lower blood cholesterol and fat levels and also achieve ideal blood pressure.
Alteplase is an effective medication for acute ischemia attack. When administered within three hours of diagnosis, it has shown to improve the outcome.
Anticonvulsants are usually prescribed to avoid seizures because seizures can induce more damage. However,
if a seizure should occur, aggressive treatment should be undertaken