What is cerebral ischemia?
Cerebral ischemia is one of the types of strokes that exist, unlike hemorrhagic, ischemic attack is characterized by lack of blood supply to the brain, as a result it does not receive enough oxygen.
In this sense, brain cells die causing a kind of cerebral infarction. Where other organs of the body and even motor functions are also affected. If it does not result in death, permanent disability may occur.
Note: One study mentions that “The ischemic cerebral vascular event (CVD) accounts for 80% of all cerebrovascular events. It usually occurs in people over the age of 65.” (1)
What causes cerebral ischemia?
The causes of cerebral ischemia are very specific, they are identified by certain conditionsthat influence blood flow, so we present the most important causes:
1. Blood clot in artery
It is the main cause; A blood clot or arterial thrombosis,is a solid mass when the fluid in the blood hardens , especially in the small arteries found in the heart, it can obstruct the flow of blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. It occurs especially in the middle cerebral artery.
Important: A medical study mentions that “Thrombosis can affect different parts of the body (the most frequent are the heart, extremities or the brain)”. (two)
2. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
These are big risk factors; high blood pressure (hypertension) makes veins narrow where blood flow is insufficient. Diabetes does not control thehigh level of sugar in the blood and causes alterations in the organs. Whilehigh cholesterol increasesblood flow or accumulation of platelets. It is considered part of atrial fibrillation.
Note: Thanks to this information, it is known that “Arterial hypertension is the Most relevant risk factor for for cerebral vascular disease cerebrovascular disease and diabetes mellitus affects 8% of the population, up to 33% of patients are at risk of presenting vascular disease ischemic brain.” (3)
3. Consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and psychotropic substances
Finally, Alcohol consumption causes a hemorrhagic stroke but it can also be ischemic, like cigarettes or psychotropic substances (LSD, cocaine and heroin), since they all have a stimulating nature for the brain, which does not let it rest. nor receive clean blood with enough oxygen.
What are the symptoms of cerebral ischemia?
It is important to recognize the symptoms of cerebral ischemia, sometimes they are the same as those of a hemorrhagic stroke, but with slight differences. We present the most relevant:
1. Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
By affecting the functions of certain organs, some compression or irritation of the nerves is caused, which does not receive adequate blood flow. What generates the weakness of a part of the body or numbness on one side of the face.
2. Difficulties in the senses and mental confusion
Stroke hinders the senses (such as hearing, touch and sight), as a consequence it generates mental confusion,with minimal ability to think, react and even analyze. It can be considered as abrain weakness.
3. Movement and balance problems
Cerebral ischemia affects motor functions, causing movement problems in joints and causing the body to lose balancetag. What can become involuntary trips, dizziness and very serious falls.
4. Severe headache
Headache is a very constant form of migraine or headache, it is a very common symptom. The brain does not process the situation correctly and therefore a lot of pressure is exerted on it. Which can be annoying,this headache is not light and sometimes it just gets worse.
How is cerebral ischemia cured?
Fortunately there are ways to cure or alleviate the symptoms of cerebral ischemia. We present you which are the most important:
1. Intravenous medications
They play an important role. Thesedrugs or substances are introduced directly into the veins (hence the name intravenous) in order to act quickly, some can be used to treat thrombosis or solid masses of stagnant blood in the veins of certain patients.
Note: Among the intravenous medications that are applied for cerebral ischemia are: rapid insulin, hydrocortisone, sodium heparin and haloperidol.
2. Endovascular procedure
It is known as an open surgery, much required for thrombosis ofabnormal arteries or blood vessels in the brain. The main advantage of this method is that itprevents internal bleeding that can affect the brain and cause a stroke.
3. Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
Tohealthy, balanced lifestyle must be maintained and highly protected from toxic substancesor aspects that can degrade brain function. Substances such as cigarettes, alcohol or drugs should be kept away. In addition, you should also eat foods rich in vitamins or proteins and haveRegular Medical Checkups.
Key Findings
- It is caused by the lack of blood flow to the brain of patients, receiving little oxygen.
- It has various causes such as arterial thrombosis, consumption of toxic substances or diabetes.
- Its symptoms are similar to any type of stroke, including numbness, weakness, headache, and poor balance.
- Treatments include open surgery or direct intravenous medications.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.