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Ischemic Stroke

By

Andrei V. Alexandrov

, MD, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center;


Balaji Krishnaiah

, MD, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Reviewed/Revised Jun 2023 | Modified Aug 2023
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An ischemic stroke is death of an area of brain tissue (cerebral infarction) resulting from an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain due to blockage of an artery.

  • Ischemic stroke usually results when an artery to the brain is blocked, often by a blood clot and/or a fatty deposit due to atherosclerosis.

  • Symptoms occur suddenly and may include muscle weakness, paralysis, lost or abnormal sensation on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion, problems with vision, dizziness, and loss of balance and coordination.

  • Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and results of a physical examination and brain imaging.

  • Other imaging tests (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) and blood tests are done to identify the cause of the stroke.

  • Treatment may include medications to break up blood clots or to make blood less likely to clot and procedures to physically remove blood clots, followed by rehabilitation.

  • About one third of people recover all or most of normal function after an ischemic stroke.

  • Preventive measures include control of risk factors, medications to make blood less likely to clot, and sometimes surgery or angioplasty to open blocked arteries.

Causes of Ischemic Stroke

An ischemic stroke typically results from blockage of an artery that supplies blood to the brain, most commonly a branch of one of the internal carotid arteries. As a result, brain cells are deprived of blood. Most brain cells die if they are deprived of blood for 4.5 hours.

Supplying the Brain With Blood

Blood is supplied to the brain through two pairs of large arteries:

  • Internal carotid arteries, which carry blood from the heart along the front of the neck

  • Vertebral arteries, which carry blood from the heart along the back of the neck

In the skull, the vertebral arteries unite to form the basilar artery (at the back of the head). The internal carotid arteries and the basilar artery divide into several branches, including the cerebral arteries. Some branches join to form a circle of arteries (circle of Willis) that connect the vertebral and internal carotid arteries. Other arteries branch off from the circle of Willis like roads from a traffic circle. The branches carry blood to all parts of the brain.

When the large arteries that supply the brain are blocked, some people have no symptoms or have only a small stroke. But others with the same sort of blockage have a massive ischemic stroke. Why? Part of the explanation is collateral arteries. Collateral arteries run between other arteries, providing extra connections. These arteries include the circle of Willis and connections between the arteries that branch off from the circle. Some people are born with large collateral arteries, which can protect them from strokes. Then when one artery is blocked, blood flow continues through a collateral artery, sometimes preventing a stroke. Other people are born with small collateral arteries. Small collateral arteries may be unable to pass enough blood to the affected area, so a stroke results.

The body can also protect itself against strokes by growing new arteries. When blockages develop slowly and gradually (as occurs in atherosclerosis), new arteries may grow in time to keep the affected area of the brain supplied with blood and thus prevent a stroke. If a stroke has already occurred, growing new arteries can help prevent a second stroke (but cannot reverse damage that has been done).

Supplying the Brain With Blood

Common causes

Clogs and Clots: Causes of Ischemic Stroke

When an artery that carries blood to the brain becomes clogged or blocked, an ischemic stroke can occur. Arteries may be blocked by fatty deposits (atheromas, or plaques) due to atherosclerosis. Arteries in the neck, particularly the internal carotid arteries, are a common site for atheromas.

Arteries may also be blocked by a blood clot (thrombus). Blood clots may form on an atheroma in an artery. Clots may also form in the heart of people with a heart disorder. Part of a clot may break off and travel through the bloodstream (becoming an embolus). It may then block an artery that supplies blood to the brain, such as one of the cerebral arteries.

Bursts and Breaks: Causes of Hemorrhagic Stroke

Blood clots in a brain artery do not always cause a stroke. If the clot breaks up spontaneously within less than 15 to 30 minutes, brain cells do not die and people's symptoms resolve. Such events are called transient ischemic attacks Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a disturbance in brain function that typically lasts less than 1 hour and results from a temporary blockage of the brain’s blood supply. The cause and symptoms... read more (TIAs).

If an artery narrows very gradually, other arteries (called collateral arteries—see figure Supplying the Brain With Blood Supplying the Brain With Blood Supplying the Brain With Blood ) sometimes enlarge to supply blood to the parts of the brain normally supplied by the clogged artery. Thus, if a clot occurs in an artery that has developed collateral arteries, people may not have symptoms.

The most common causes of ischemic stroke can be classified as

  • Cryptogenic stroke

  • Embolic stroke

  • Lacunar infarction

  • Large-vessel atherosclerosis (the 4th most common cause)

Cryptogenic stroke

Stroke is classified as cryptogenic when no clear cause is identified despite a complete evaluation.

Embolic stroke

Blood clots can form in the heart, especially in people who have or have had the following:

Tiny pieces of these blood clots can break off and travel to small arteries in the brain (as emboli).

Lacunar infarction

Lacunar infarction refers to tiny ischemic strokes, typically no larger than about a third of an inch (1 centimeter). In lacunar infarction, one of the small arteries deep in the brain becomes blocked when part of its wall deteriorates and is replaced by a mixture of fat and connective tissue—a disorder called lipohyalinosis. Lipohyalinosis is different from atherosclerosis, but both disorders can cause arteries to be blocked.

Lacunar infarction can also occur when tiny pieces of fatty material that has been deposited in arteries (atheromas or atherosclerotic plaques Plaque formation Atherosclerosis is a condition in which patchy deposits of fatty material (atheromas or atherosclerotic plaques) develop in the walls of medium-sized and large arteries, leading to reduced or... read more Plaque formation ) break off and travel to small arteries in the brain.

Lacunar infarction tends to occur in older people with diabetes or poorly controlled high blood pressure. Only a small part of the brain is damaged in lacunar infarction, and the prognosis is usually good. However, over time, many small lacunar infarcts may develop and cause problems, including problems with thinking and other mental functions (cognitive impairment).

Large-vessel atherosclerosis

The plaques can gradually enlarge and cause the artery to narrow. As a result, tissues supplied by the artery may not receive enough blood and oxygen. Plaques tend to split open (rupture). Then material inside the plaque is exposed to the bloodstream. The material triggers the formation of blood clots (called thromboses). These blood clots can suddenly block all blood flow through an artery. Sometimes the blood clots break off, travel through the bloodstream and block an artery that supplies blood to the brain (called emboli). Both thromboses and emboli can cause a stroke by blocking the blood supply to an area of the brain.

Other causes

Several conditions besides rupture of an atheroma can trigger or promote the formation of blood clots, increasing the risk of blockage by a blood clot. They include the following:

An ischemic stroke can also result from any disorder that reduces the amount of blood supplied to the brain. For example,

Rarely, a stroke results from a general decrease in blood flow, as occurs when people lose a lot of blood, become severely dehydrated, or have very low blood pressure. This type of stroke often occurs when arteries supplying the brain are narrowed but had not previously caused any symptoms and had not been detected.

Occasionally, an ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is normal but the blood does not contain enough oxygen. Disorders that reduce the oxygen content of blood include a severe deficiency of red blood cells (anemia Overview of Anemia Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells is low. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that enables them to carry oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all parts... read more ), suffocation, and carbon monoxide poisoning Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced when many materials are burned and can be toxic when breathed in large amounts Carbon monoxide poisoning is common. Symptoms may... read more . Usually, brain damage in such cases is widespread (diffuse), and coma results.

Sometimes a blood clot in a leg vein (deep venous thrombosis Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the deep veins, usually in the legs. Blood clots may form in veins if the vein is injured, a disorder causes the blood to clot... read more Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) ) or, rarely, small pieces of fat from the marrow of a broken leg bone move into the bloodstream. Usually, these blood clots and pieces of fat travel to the heart and block an artery in the lungs (called pulmonary embolism Pulmonary Embolism ). However, some people have an abnormal opening between the right and left upper chambers of the heart (called a patent foramen ovale). In such people, the blood clots and pieces of fat may go through the opening and thus bypass the lungs and enter the aorta (the largest artery in the body). If they travel to arteries in the brain, a stroke can result.

Risk factors

Some risk factors for ischemic stroke can be controlled or modified to some extent—for example, by treating the disorder that increases risk.

The major modifiable risk factors for ischemic stroke are

Risk factors that cannot be modified include

  • Having had a stroke previously

  • Being male

  • Being older

  • Having relatives who have had a stroke

Symptoms of Ischemic Stroke

Usually, symptoms of an ischemic stroke occur suddenly and are often most severe a few minutes after they start because most ischemic strokes begin suddenly, develop rapidly, and cause death of brain tissue within minutes to hours. Then, most strokes become stable, causing little or no further damage. Strokes that remain stable for 2 to 3 days are called completed strokes. Sudden blockage by an embolus is most likely to cause this kind of stroke.

In about 10 to 15% of strokes, damage continues to occur and symptoms continue to worsen for up to 2 days, as a steadily enlarging area of brain tissue dies. Such strokes are called evolving strokes. In some people, symptoms affect one arm, then spread to other areas on the same side of the body. The progression of symptoms and damage usually occurs in steps, interrupted by somewhat stable periods. During these periods, the area temporarily stops enlarging or some improvement occurs. Such strokes are usually due to the formation of clots in a narrowed artery.

Strokes caused by an embolus often occur during the day, and a headache may be the first symptom. Strokes caused by a blood clot in a narrowed artery often occur at night and are first noticed when the person wakes up.

When the arteries that branch from the internal carotid artery (which carry blood along the front of the neck to the brain) are affected, the following are most common:

  • Blindness in one eye

  • Loss of vision on either the left side or the right side of both eyes

  • Abnormal sensations, weakness, or paralysis in one arm or leg or on one side of the body

When the arteries that branch from the vertebral arteries (which carry blood along the back of the neck to the brain) are affected, the following are most common:

  • Generalized weakness on one or both sides of the body

Many other symptoms, such as difficulty speaking (for example, slurred speech), impaired consciousness (such as confusion), loss of coordination, and urinary incontinence, can occur.

Severe strokes may lead to stupor or coma Stupor and Coma Stupor is unresponsiveness from which a person can be aroused only by vigorous, physical stimulation. Coma is unresponsiveness from which a person cannot be aroused and in which the person's... read more . In addition, strokes, even milder ones, can cause depression or an inability to control emotions. For example, people may cry or laugh inappropriately.

Some people have a seizure Seizure Disorders In seizure disorders, the brain's electrical activity is periodically disturbed, resulting in some degree of temporary brain dysfunction. Many people have unusual sensations just before a seizure... read more when the stroke begins. Seizures may also occur months to years later. Late seizures result from scarring or materials that are deposited from blood in the damaged brain tissue.

Occasionally, fever develops. It may be caused by the stroke or another disorder.

If symptoms, particularly impaired consciousness, worsen during the first 2 to 3 days, the cause is often swelling due to excess fluid (edema) in the brain. In large strokes, the swelling in the brain is typically at its worst about 3 days after the stroke begins. Symptoms usually lessen within a few days, as the fluid is absorbed. Nonetheless, the swelling is particularly dangerous because the skull does not expand. The resulting increase in pressure can cause the brain to shift, further impairing brain function, even if the area directly damaged by the stroke does not enlarge. If the pressure becomes very high, the brain may be forced sideways and downward in the skull, through the rigid structures that separate the brain into compartments. The resulting disorder is called herniation Herniation: The Brain Under Pressure Herniation: The Brain Under Pressure , which can be fatal.

Complications of stroke

Strokes can lead to other problems (complications):

The losses and problems resulting from the stroke may make people depressed.

Diagnosis of Ischemic Stroke

  • A doctor's evaluation

  • Computed tomography and sometimes magnetic resonance imaging

  • Laboratory tests, including those to measure blood sugar

Doctors can usually diagnose an ischemic stroke based on the history of events and results of a physical examination. Doctors can usually identify which artery in the brain is blocked based on symptoms. For example, weakness or paralysis of the left leg suggests blockage of the artery supplying the area on the right side of the brain that controls the left leg’s muscle movements.

Doctors often use a standardized set of questions and commands to determine how severe the stroke is, how well people are functioning, and how symptoms are changing over time. These test helps doctors evaluate the person's level of consciousness, ability to answer questions, ability to obey simple commands, vision, arm and leg function, and speech.

When Specific Areas of the Brain Are Damaged

Different areas of the brain control specific functions. Consequently, where the brain is damaged determines which function is lost.

When Specific Areas of the Brain Are Damaged

Computed tomography (CT) is usually done next. CT helps distinguish an ischemic stroke from a hemorrhagic stroke, a brain tumor, an abscess, and other structural abnormalities. However, during the first hours after some strokes, the CT scan may be normal or show only subtle changes. As a result, diagnosis may be delayed. So if available, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging Diffusion-weighted MRI Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of medical imaging that uses a strong magnetic field and very high frequency radio waves to produce highly detailed images. During an MRI, a computer... read more Diffusion-weighted MRI (MRI), which can detect ischemic strokes within minutes of their start, may be done next.

Tests to identify the cause

Identifying the precise cause of an ischemic stroke is important. If the blockage is a blood clot, another stroke may occur unless the underlying disorder is corrected. For example, if blood clots result from an abnormal heart rhythm, treating that disorder can prevent new clots from forming and causing another stroke.

Tests for causes may include the following:

Imaging tests enable doctors to determine how narrowed the carotid arteries are and thus to estimate the risk of a subsequent stroke or transient ischemic attack Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a disturbance in brain function that typically lasts less than 1 hour and results from a temporary blockage of the brain’s blood supply. The cause and symptoms... read more (TIA). Such information helps determine which treatments are needed.

For cerebral angiography, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin, and threaded through the aorta to an artery in the neck. Then, a substance that can be seen on x-rays (radiopaque contrast agent) is injected to outline the artery. Thus, this test is more invasive than other tests that provide images of the brain’s blood supply. However, it provides more information. Cerebral angiography is done before any endovascular procedure that uses a catheter to treat a blocked or narrowed arteries. Cerebral angiography is also done when vasculitis Overview of Vasculitis Vasculitic disorders are caused by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). Vasculitis can be triggered by certain infections or drugs or can occur for unknown reasons. People may have... read more Overview of Vasculitis is suspected.

Because CT angiography is less invasive, it has largely replaced cerebral angiography done with a catheter. The exceptions are when endovascular procedures are planned. These procedures involve using instruments threaded through a catheter to physically remove a clot (mechanical thrombectomy Mechanical thrombectomy An ischemic stroke is death of an area of brain tissue (cerebral infarction) resulting from an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain due to blockage of an artery. Ischemic stroke... read more Mechanical thrombectomy ), to widen a narrowed artery (angioplasty), and/or to place a tube made of wire mesh (a stent) to keep the artery open.

Treatment of Ischemic Stroke

  • Measures to support vital functions, such as breathing

  • Medications to break up blood clots or make blood less likely to clot

  • Sometimes surgery to remove a blockage or angioplasty with a stent

  • Measures to manage problems that stroke can cause, such as difficulty swallowing

  • Measures to prevent blood clots in the legs

  • Rehabilitation

When a stroke occurs, minutes matter. The longer blood flow to the brain is reduced or stopped, the more brain damage there will be. People who have any symptom suggesting an ischemic stroke should immediately call 911 and go to an emergency department.

Treatment to remove or break up clots is most effective when done as soon as possible. For some medications (thrombolytic therapy) to be effective, they must be started within 4.5 hours of when the stroke began. Procedures to remove clots through a catheter (mechanical thrombectomy) can be effective up to 6 hours after a stroke began and sometimes even later. Starting treatment as soon as possible is crucial because the earlier blood flow is restored to the brain, the less brain damage there is and the better are the chances for recovery. Thus, doctors try to rapidly determine when the stroke began and confirm that the stroke is an ischemic stroke, not a hemorrhagic stroke, which is treated differently.

Another priority is to restore the person’s breathing, heart rate, blood pressure (if low), and temperature to normal. An intravenous line is inserted to provide medications and fluids when needed. If the person has a fever, it may be lowered using acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or a cooling blanket because brain damage is worse when body temperature is elevated.

Generally, doctors do not immediately treat high blood pressure Treatment High blood pressure (hypertension) is persistently high pressure in the arteries. Often no cause for high blood pressure can be identified, but sometimes it occurs as a result of an underlying... read more Treatment unless it is very high (over 220/120 mm Hg) because when arteries are narrowed, blood pressure must be higher than normal to push enough blood through them to the brain. However, very high blood pressure can injure the heart, kidneys, and eyes and must be lowered.

If a stroke is very severe and affects a large area of the brain, medications such as mannitol may be given to reduce swelling and the increased pressure in the brain. Some people need a ventilator to breathe adequately.

Specific treatment of stroke may include medications to break up blood clots (thrombolytic therapy) and medications to make blood less likely to clot (antiplatelet medications and anticoagulants), followed by rehabilitation. At some specialized centers, blood clots are physically removed from arteries in the brain (mechanical thrombectomy). Or angioplasty Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting An ischemic stroke is death of an area of brain tissue (cerebral infarction) resulting from an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain due to blockage of an artery. Ischemic stroke... read more Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting is done to widen the artery. For angioplasty, a catheter with a balloon at its tip is threaded into the narrowed artery (see figure ). The balloon is then inflated for several seconds to widen the artery. To keep the artery open, doctors insert a tube made of wire mesh (a stent) into the artery.

Thrombolytic (fibrinolytic) medications

In certain circumstances, a medication called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is given intravenously to break up clots and help restore blood flow to the brain. Two tPAs are available: alteplase and tenecteplase.

Because tPA can cause bleeding in the brain and elsewhere, it usually should not be given to people with certain conditions, such as the following:

Before tPA is given, CT is done to rule out bleeding in the brain. To be effective and safe, tPA, given intravenously, must be started within 3 hours of the beginning of an ischemic stroke. Some experts recommend using tPA up to 4.5 hours after an ischemic stroke begins.

But when tPA is given between 3 and 4.5 hours, additional conditions may prohibit its use. These conditions include

  • Being over age 80

  • Taking an anticoagulant by mouth (regardless of its effect on clotting)

  • Having a severe stroke that resulted in substantial loss of function

  • Having a history of both stroke and diabetes mellitus

After 4.5 hours, giving tPA intravenously increases the risk of bleeding.

Pinpointing when the stroke began may be difficult. So doctors assume that the stroke began the last time a person was known to be well. For example, if a person awakens with symptoms of a stroke, doctors assume the stroke began when the person was last seen awake and well. Thus, tPA can be used in only some people who have had a stroke. If advanced imaging identifies undamaged brain tissue, people may be given tPA even if doctors cannot determine when the stroke began—for example, if people wake up and have had a stroke sometime during the night.

Mechanical thrombectomy

For mechanical thrombectomy, doctors use a device to physically remove the blood clot in large cerebral arteries. This procedure is often done when people have had a severe stroke. New evidence suggests that mechanical thrombectomy can effectively treat people who have a stroke, regardless of its severity.

Mechanical thrombectomy is traditionally done within 6 hours of when symptoms began. However, the procedure can be done up to 24 hours after symptoms began if imaging tests show undamaged brain tissue. Thus, at some stroke centers, doctors are starting to use a special type of CT or MRI (perfusion imaging Perfusion MRI Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of medical imaging that uses a strong magnetic field and very high frequency radio waves to produce highly detailed images. During an MRI, a computer... read more Perfusion MRI ) and other imaging tests to determine how much a stroke has progressed, rather than going strictly by time. These tests can show how much blood flow has been reduced and indicate how much brain tissue may be saved. This approach (based on brain tissue status, not time) is especially useful when doctors are unsure of when the stroke began—for example, when people wake up in the morning and have symptoms of a stroke. If imaging tests show that blood flow is only somewhat reduced, treatment with mechanical thrombectomy up to 24 hours after symptoms start may still be able to save brain tissue. But if blood flow has been greatly reduced or has stopped, treatment after only 1 hour may be unable to save any brain tissue.

Different types of devices can be used. For example, the stent retriever may be used. It resembles a tiny wire cage. It can be attached to a catheter, which is inserted through an incision, often in the groin, and threaded to the clot. The cage is opened up, then closed around the clot, which is drawn out through a larger catheter. If done within 6 hours of the stroke's start, mechanical thrombectomy with a stent retriever can dramatically improve outcomes in people with a large blockage. Devices can restore blood flow in 90 to 100% of people.

Mechanical thrombectomy is done only in stroke centers.

Antiplatelet medications and anticoagulants

If a thrombolytic medication cannot be used, most people are given aspirin (an antiplatelet medication) as soon as they get to the hospital. Antiplatelet medications make platelets less likely to clump and form clots. (Platelets are tiny cell-like particles in the blood that help it clot in response to damaged blood vessels.) Taking aspirin plus clopidogrel (another antiplatelet medication) is slightly more effective than aspirin alone for reducing the risk of another stroke, but only if given within 24 hours after stroke symptoms began. It is given only for first 3 weeks after the stroke and reduces the risk of recurrence only for the first 3 months after a stroke. After that, the combination has no advantage over aspirin alone. Also, taking clopidogrel plus aspirin for more than 3 weeks increases the risk of bleeding by a small amount. However, the combination is sometimes given for 3 months in certain circumstances—for example, when people have a partial blockage of a large artery.

If symptoms seem to be worsening despite other treatments, anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin are used. They may also be used to treat specific types of strokes (such as those due to a blood clot in a vein in the brain, or atrial fibrillation, or dissection of an artery in the neck). Anticoagulants inhibit proteins in blood that help it to clot (clotting factors).

If people have been given a thrombolytic medication, doctors usually wait at least 24 hours before antiplatelet medications or anticoagulants are started because these medications add to the already increased risk of bleeding in the brain. Anticoagulants are not given to people who have uncontrolled high blood pressure or who have had a hemorrhagic stroke.

Carotid artery surgery

Once an ischemic stroke is completed, surgical removal of fatty deposits (atheromas, or plaques) due to atherosclerosis or clots in an internal carotid artery may be done (see figure ). This procedure, called carotid endarterectomy, can help if all of the following are present:

  • The stroke resulted from narrowing of a carotid artery by more than 70% (more than 60% in people who have been having transient ischemic attacks).

  • Some brain tissue supplied by the affected artery still functions after the stroke.

  • The person’s life expectancy is at least 5 years.

In such people, carotid endarterectomy may reduce the risk of subsequent strokes. This procedure also reestablishes the blood supply to the affected area, but it cannot restore lost function because some brain tissue is dead.

For carotid endarterectomy, a general anesthetic is used. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck over the area of the artery that contains the blockage, then an incision in the artery. The blockage is removed, and the incisions are closed. For a few days afterwards, the neck may hurt, and swallowing may be difficult. Most people stay in the hospital 1 or 2 days. Heavy lifting should be avoided for about 3 weeks. After several weeks, people can resume their usual activities.

Carotid endarterectomy can trigger a stroke because the operation may dislodge clots or other material that can then travel through the bloodstream and block an artery. However, after the operation, the risk of stroke is lower than it is when medications are used, and this risk is lower for several years. The procedure can result in a heart attack because people who have this procedure often have risk factors for coronary artery disease Overview of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Coronary artery disease is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked. The heart muscle needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. The coronary... read more Overview of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) .

People should find a surgeon who is experienced doing this operation and who has a low rate of serious complications (such as heart attack, stroke, and death) after the operation. If people cannot find such a surgeon, the risks of endarterectomy may outweigh its expected benefits.

Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting

If endarterectomy is too risky or cannot be done because of the artery's anatomy, a less invasive procedure (carotid artery angioplasty) can be done to widen the artery.

For this procedure, a local anesthetic is given. Then a catheter with an umbrella filter at its tip is inserted through a small incision into a large artery near the groin or in the arm, and the catheter is threaded to the internal carotid artery in the neck. A substance that can be seen on x-rays (radiopaque contrast agent) is injected, and x-rays are taken so that the narrowed area can be located. Doctors use the catheter to widen the carotid artery, then insert a tube made of wire mesh (a stent) into the artery. Once in place, the stent is expanded to help keep the artery open. The filter catches any debris that may break off during the procedure.

After the stent is placed, the catheter and the filter at its tip are removed. People remain awake for the procedure, which usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

A similar procedure can be done for other types of large blocked arteries (see figure ).

Long-term treatment of strokes

Long-term treatment of stroke includes measures to do the following:

  • Control problems that can make the effects of stroke worse

  • Prevent or treat problems caused by strokes

  • Prevent future strokes

  • Treat any disorders that are also present

During the recovery period, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and fever can make brain damage worse after a stroke. Lowering them limits the damage and results in better functioning.

Before people who have had a stroke start to eat, drink, or take medications by mouth, they are checked for problems with swallowing. Problems with swallowing can lead to aspiration pneumonia Aspiration Pneumonia and Chemical Pneumonitis Aspiration pneumonia is lung infection caused by inhaling mouth secretions, stomach contents, or both. Chemical pneumonitis is lung irritation caused by inhalation of substances irritating or... read more . Measures to prevent this problem are started early. If problems are detected, a therapist can teach people how to swallow safely. Sometimes people need to be fed through a tube (tube feeding Tube Feeding Tube feeding may be used to feed people whose digestive tract is functioning normally but who cannot eat enough to meet their nutritional needs. Such people include those with the following... read more Tube Feeding ).

If people cannot move on their own or have difficulty moving, they are at risk of developing blood clots in their legs (deep vein thrombosis Prevention Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of blood clots (thrombi) in the deep veins, usually in the legs. Blood clots may form in veins if the vein is injured, a disorder causes the blood to clot... read more Prevention ) and pressure sores Prevention Pressure sores are areas of skin damage resulting from a lack of blood flow due to prolonged pressure. Pressure sores often result from pressure combined with pulling on the skin, friction,... read more Prevention . Pneumatic compression stockings may be used to prevent blood clots. Powered by an electric pump, these stockings repeatedly squeeze the calves and move blood into and through the veins. People at high risk of developing blood clots may also be given an anticoagulant (such as heparin), injected under the skin of the abdomen or arm. Often, an anticoagulant is given by mouth.

Measures to prevent pressure sores Prevention Pressure sores are areas of skin damage resulting from a lack of blood flow due to prolonged pressure. Pressure sores often result from pressure combined with pulling on the skin, friction,... read more Prevention are started early. For example, staff members periodically change the person's position in bed to help prevent pressure sores from forming. They also regularly inspect the skin for any sign of pressure sores.

Controlling or treating risk factors for stroke (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, consumption of too much alcohol, high cholesterol levels, and obesity) can help prevent future strokes.

Antiplatelet medications, taken by mouth, may be used to reduce the risk of blood clots and thus help prevent strokes due to atherosclerosis. One of the following can be used:

  • Aspirin

  • A combination tablet of low-dose aspirin plus dipyridamole

  • Clopidogrel

  • Clopidogrel plus aspirin

Clopidogrel is indicated for people who are allergic to aspirin.

Taking clopidogrel plus aspirin appears to reduce the risk of future strokes more than taking aspirin alone, but only for the first 3 months after a stroke. After that, the combination has no advantage over aspirin alone. Also, taking clopidogrel plus aspirin for a long time increases the risk of bleeding by a small amount. Usually, antiplatelet medications are not given to people who are taking warfarin because antiplatelet medications add to the risk of bleeding, but, occasionally, there are exceptions.

Anticoagulants (such as warfarin), taken by mouth, may be used to prevent strokes due to blood clots. When people are taking warfarin, blood tests are done regularly to measure how long it takes for blood to clot. Regular testing is needed to make sure the dose of warfarin is not too high. If the dose is too high, the risk of bleeding is increased.

Dabigatran, apixaban, and rivaroxaban are newer anticoagulants that are often used instead of warfarin. These newer anticoagulants are more convenient to use because they, unlike warfarin, do not require regular monitoring with blood tests to measure how long it takes for blood to clot. Also, they are not affected by foods and are unlikely to interact with other medications. But the new anticoagulants have some disadvantages. Dabigatran and apixaban must be taken twice a day (warfarin is taken once a day). Also, people must not miss any doses of the newer medications for the medications to be effective. Also, these medications are significantly more expensive than warfarin.

Occasionally, people at high risk of another stroke (such as people who have had a minor stroke) are given aspirin plus an anticoagulant.

Prognosis for Ischemic Stroke

The sooner a stroke is treated with a medication that breaks up blood clots (thrombolytic medication), the less severe brain damage is likely to be and the better the chances for recovery.

During the first few days after an ischemic stroke, doctors usually cannot predict whether a person will improve or worsen. Younger people and people who start improving quickly are likely to recover more fully.

About 50% of people with one-sided paralysis and most of those with less severe symptoms recover some function by the time they leave the hospital, and they can eventually take care of their basic needs. They can think clearly and walk adequately, although use of the affected arm or leg may be limited. Use of an arm is more often limited than use of a leg.

About 10% of people who have an ischemic stroke recover all normal function.

Some people are physically and mentally devastated and unable to move, speak, or eat normally.

About 20% of people who have an ischemic stroke die within 28 days. The proportion is higher among older people. About 25% of people who recover from a first stroke have another stroke within 5 years. Subsequent strokes impair function further.

Most impairments still present after 12 months are permanent.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
GOPRELTO, NUMBRINO
7T Gummy ES, Acephen, Aceta, Actamin, Adult Pain Relief, Anacin Aspirin Free, Aphen, Apra, Children's Acetaminophen, Children's Pain & Fever , Children's Pain Relief, Comtrex Sore Throat Relief, ED-APAP, ElixSure Fever/Pain, Feverall, Genapap, Genebs, Goody's Back & Body Pain, Infantaire, Infants' Acetaminophen, LIQUID PAIN RELIEF, Little Fevers, Little Remedies Infant Fever + Pain Reliever, Mapap, Mapap Arthritis Pain, Mapap Infants, Mapap Junior, M-PAP, Nortemp, Ofirmev, Pain & Fever , Pain and Fever , PAIN RELIEF , PAIN RELIEF Extra Strength, Panadol, PediaCare Children's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever, PediaCare Children's Smooth Metls Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever, PediaCare Infant's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever, Pediaphen, PHARBETOL, Plus PHARMA, Q-Pap, Q-Pap Extra Strength, Silapap, Triaminic Fever Reducer and Pain Reliever, Triaminic Infant Fever Reducer and Pain Reliever, Tylenol, Tylenol 8 Hour, Tylenol 8 Hour Arthritis Pain, Tylenol 8 Hour Muscle Aches & Pain, Tylenol Arthritis Pain, Tylenol Children's, Tylenol Children's Pain+Fever, Tylenol CrushableTablet, Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Infants', Tylenol Infants Pain + Fever, Tylenol Junior Strength, Tylenol Pain + Fever, Tylenol Regular Strength, Tylenol Sore Throat, XS No Aspirin, XS Pain Reliever
Advil, Advil Children's, Advil Children's Fever, Advil Infants', Advil Junior Strength, Advil Migraine, Caldolor, Children's Ibuprofen, ElixSure IB, Genpril , Ibren , IBU, Midol, Midol Cramps and Body Aches, Motrin, Motrin Children's, Motrin IB, Motrin Infants', Motrin Junior Strength, Motrin Migraine Pain, PediaCare Children's Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB, PediaCare Infants' Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB, Samson-8
Aridol, BRONCHITOL, Osmitrol , Resectisol
RYPLAZIM
Activase, Cathflo Activase
TNKase
Anacin Adult Low Strength, Aspergum, Aspir-Low, Aspirtab , Aspir-Trin , Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin Extra Strength, Bayer Aspirin Plus, Bayer Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Bayer Extra Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Plus, Bayer Genuine Aspirin, Bayer Low Dose Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Womens Aspirin , BeneHealth Aspirin, Bufferin, Bufferin Extra Strength, Bufferin Low Dose, DURLAZA, Easprin , Ecotrin, Ecotrin Low Strength, Genacote, Halfprin, MiniPrin, St. Joseph Adult Low Strength, St. Joseph Aspirin, VAZALORE, Zero Order Release Aspirin, ZORprin
Plavix
Hepflush-10 , Hep-Lock, Hep-Lock U/P, Monoject Prefill Advanced Heparin Lock Flush, SASH Normal Saline and Heparin
Coumadin, Jantoven
Atorvaliq, Lipitor
Persantine
Pradaxa
Eliquis
Xarelto, Xarelto Granules, Xarelto Starter Pack
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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