Overview

An ischemic stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot, reducing blood flow and oxygen to brain tissue. Understanding ischemic stroke meaning is important, as delayed treatment can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and can affect movement, speech, vision, memory, and other vital brain functions. Prompt identification of symptoms and rapid medical intervention significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes.

At Sarvodaya Hospital, one of the best neurology hospitals in Delhi NCR, patients receive advanced treatment for ischemic stroke, supported by experienced neurologists and dedicated stroke care units.

Ischemic Stroke Symptoms

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
  
• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  
• Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
  
• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking
  
• Sudden confusion or altered consciousness
  
• Severe headache without a known cause

Ischemic Stroke Causes

• Blood clots forming in the arteries supplying the brain
  
• Fatty deposits or plaque buildup in blood vessels
  
• Heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Diabetes and high cholesterol
  
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle

Diagnosis of Ischemic Stroke

Accurate and rapid diagnosis of ischemic stroke is essential to identify stroke type, assess severity, initiate urgent treatment, minimise brain damage, and improve survival and neurological outcomes under the care of the best neurologist in Delhi NCR.

• Clinical Evaluation: Clinical evaluation assesses neurological deficits, including speech, vision, muscle strength, coordination, reflexes, and level of consciousness, to identify stroke presence and affected brain regions.

• CT Scan: CT scan provides rapid brain imaging to rule out hemorrhagic stroke and confirm ischemic stroke, guiding immediate treatment decisions and safe use of clot-dissolving therapy.

• MRI Scan: MRI scan offers detailed brain imaging to detect early ischemic changes, define the extent of brain tissue damage, and support accurate stroke localisation and prognosis assessment.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests evaluate clotting profile, glucose levels, electrolytes, and infection markers that may contribute to stroke or influence treatment planning.

• Cardiac Evaluation: Cardiac evaluation identifies heart-related causes such as atrial fibrillation or valve disorders, guiding secondary stroke prevention and long-term management strategies.

Treatment Options for Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke treatment focuses on restoring blood flow quickly, preventing complications, and supporting neurological recovery.

• Emergency Medical Management: Emergency medical management includes immediate stabilisation, airway and blood pressure control, continuous monitoring, and care in a specialised stroke unit.

• Clot-Busting Therapy (Thrombolysis): Thrombolytic therapy uses clot-dissolving medications administered within a critical time window to restore blood flow and limit brain damage.

• Endovascular Procedures: Endovascular procedures are minimally invasive catheter-based techniques used to remove large clots or open blocked arteries in selected ischemic stroke patients.

• Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention may be required in selected cases to relieve brain swelling or address vascular abnormalities contributing to stroke.

• Rehabilitation Therapies: Rehabilitation therapies, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, help restore movement, communication, daily functioning, and independence.

Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications for Ischemic Stroke

While not all ischemic strokes can be prevented, lifestyle changes significantly reduce risk.

• Control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol
  
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
  
• Maintain a healthy diet and body weight
  
• Engage in regular physical activity
  
• Manage stress effectively
  
• Take prescribed medications regularly
• Attend routine health check-ups
  
  

Pre–Post Treatment Lifestyle Modifications for Ischemic Stroke

Pre-Treatment

• Immediate recognition of stroke symptoms and rapid hospital transfer
• Stabilisation of airway, breathing, and circulation
• Urgent diagnostic imaging and neurological assessment

Post-Treatment

• Strict medication adherence
• Regular physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs
• Speech and swallowing therapy, if required
• Lifestyle modification to prevent recurrent stroke
• Regular neurological follow-ups