Cardiogenic Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke (CMCAS)?

Cardiogenic Middle Cerebral Artery Strokes, often called CMCAS, are a type of stroke that occurs when blood flow to a part of your brain is interrupted due to problems in the heart. In this article, we’ll break down what CMCAS is and explain its causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and drugs. We’ll also briefly touch on surgical options for this condition, all in simple and easy-to-understand language.

Cardiogenic Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke, or CMCAS for short, is a type of stroke. A stroke happens when something goes wrong in your brain’s blood supply. In CMCAS, the trouble starts in your heart, affecting the blood flow to a specific part of your brain called the middle cerebral artery.

Causes of CMCAS

  1. Heart Problems: The most common cause of CMCAS is heart problems like irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) or heart valve issues.
  2. Blood Clots: Clots can form in the heart and travel to the brain, causing a blockage.
  3. Atrial Fibrillation: This heart condition can create blood clots and increase the risk of CMCAS.
  4. Heart Attacks: A heart attack can damage the heart, leading to CMCAS.
  5. Atherosclerosis: When arteries get clogged with fatty deposits, it can affect blood flow to the brain.
  6. High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain.
  7. Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of CMCAS because it harms blood vessels.
  8. Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes can harm blood vessels and increase the chance of stroke.
  9. High Cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol can lead to artery blockages.
  10. Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk of CMCAS.
  11. Alcohol Abuse: Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and contribute to stroke risk.
  12. Drug Abuse: Certain drugs can lead to high blood pressure and stroke risk.
  13. Family History: If your family has a history of strokes, you may be more vulnerable.
  14. Age: As you get older, the risk of CMCAS increases.
  15. Gender: Men are generally at a higher risk than women.
  16. Race/Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups have a higher likelihood of CMCAS.
  17. Previous Stroke: If you’ve had a stroke before, your risk is higher.
  18. Birth Control Pills: Certain birth control methods can increase stroke risk, especially in smokers.
  19. Migraines: Severe migraines with aura may raise the risk.
  20. Infections: Certain infections can increase inflammation in blood vessels, contributing to stroke risk.

 Symptoms of CMCAS

  1. Sudden Weakness: You may suddenly feel weak on one side of your body.
  2. Numbness: Parts of your body may become numb or tingly.
  3. Trouble Speaking: You might find it hard to talk or slur your words.
  4. Confusion: CMCAS can cause confusion or difficulty understanding.
  5. Severe Headache: A sudden, severe headache can occur.
  6. Vision Changes: Your vision may be affected, like blurriness or double vision.
  7. Dizziness: You might feel dizzy or have trouble with balance.
  8. Loss of Coordination: Difficulty with coordination and walking can happen.
  9. Facial Drooping: One side of your face may droop.
  10. Trouble Swallowing: Difficulty in swallowing is a symptom.
  11. Memory Problems: Memory loss or difficulty in thinking clearly can occur.
  12. Loss of Consciousness: In severe cases, loss of consciousness may happen.
  13. Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach can be a symptom.
  14. Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath or rapid breathing may occur.
  15. Chest Pain: Some people experience chest pain or discomfort.
  16. Irregular Heartbeat: You may notice your heart beating irregularly.
  17. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired is common after a stroke.
  18. Mood Changes: Emotional changes, like depression or anxiety, can follow CMCAS.
  19. Difficulty Swallowing: Problems with swallowing can occur.
  20. Sensory Changes: You may have altered sensations, such as tingling or pain.

Diagnostic Tests for CMCAS

  1. CT Scan: This imaging test helps identify bleeding or blockages in the brain.
  2. MRI Scan: It provides detailed images of the brain to detect stroke damage.
  3. Angiography: This test shows blood flow in the brain’s blood vessels.
  4. Echocardiogram: It checks the heart’s structure and function.
  5. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the heart’s electrical activity.
  6. Blood Tests: These can reveal conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes.
  7. Carotid Ultrasound: It checks for blockages in neck arteries.
  8. Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): This specialized echocardiogram examines the heart’s chambers more closely.
  9. Doppler Ultrasound: It measures blood flow in the brain’s blood vessels.
  10. Holter Monitor: A portable ECG device worn for an extended period.
  11. Lumbar Puncture: It involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.
  12. Cerebral Angiogram: A specialized test to assess brain blood vessels.
  13. Blood Pressure Monitoring: Continuous tracking of blood pressure.
  14. Electroencephalogram (EEG): Records brain activity to detect abnormalities.
  15. Chest X-ray: It may reveal heart or lung issues contributing to CMCAS.
  16. Coagulation Studies: Tests to check blood clotting factors.
  17. Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting: An intervention to treat narrowed neck arteries.
  18. Tilt Table Test: Used to evaluate fainting or drop in blood pressure.
  19. Cardiac Monitoring: Continuous heart rhythm monitoring.
  20. Swallowing Studies: To assess the ability to swallow safely post-stroke.

Treatments for CMCAS

  1. Clot-Busting Medications: Thrombolytic drugs can dissolve blood clots causing the stroke.
  2. Antiplatelet Drugs: Medications like aspirin help prevent blood clots.
  3. Anticoagulants: Blood thinners like warfarin prevent clot formation.
  4. Blood Pressure Management: Controlling high blood pressure is crucial.
  5. Cholesterol Control: Medications may be prescribed to lower cholesterol.
  6. Diabetes Management: Proper diabetes control is essential.
  7. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine.
  8. Speech Therapy: Helps improve communication skills.
  9. Physical Therapy: Enhances muscle strength and coordination.
  10. Occupational Therapy: Assists in regaining daily living skills.
  11. Swallowing Therapy: Helps with safe eating and drinking.
  12. Medication for Symptoms: Drugs can alleviate pain, spasticity, or depression.
  13. Surgery for Aneurysms: Repairing weakened blood vessels in the brain.
  14. Carotid Endarterectomy: Removes plaque from neck arteries.
  15. Stent Placement: To keep narrowed arteries open.
  16. Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy: A procedure to remove large clots.
  17. Cardiac Procedures: Treating underlying heart issues.
  18. Angioplasty: Balloon treatment to open blocked arteries.
  19. Supportive Care: In the form of a stroke unit or rehabilitation center.
  20. Nutritional Support: Ensuring proper nourishment post-stroke.
  21. Medication for Heart Conditions: Treating underlying heart problems.
  22. Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking is vital for recovery.
  23. Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
  24. Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation: Seeking help for substance abuse.
  25. Blood Sugar Control: Managing diabetes effectively.
  26. Emotional Support: Counseling and therapy for mental well-being.
  27. Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, or canes for mobility.
  28. Home Modifications: Adapting the home for accessibility.
  29. Communication Devices: Tools for speech-impaired individuals.
  30. Education and Support Groups: Learning and coping with stroke recovery.

Drugs Used in CMCAS Treatment

  1. Aspirin: An antiplatelet drug to prevent clot formation.
  2. Clopidogrel: Another antiplatelet medication.
  3. Warfarin: An anticoagulant to prevent blood clots.
  4. Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA): A clot-dissolving medication.
  5. Atorvastatin: Lowers cholesterol levels.
  6. Lisinopril: A blood pressure medication.
  7. Metoprolol: Controls heart rate and blood pressure.
  8. Insulin: For diabetes management.
  9. Sertraline: Treats depression and anxiety.
  10. Gabapentin: Helps with pain management.
  11. Baclofen: Relieves muscle spasticity.
  12. Pantoprazole: Prevents stomach ulcers from medication use.
  13. Omeprazole: Reduces stomach acid production.
  14. Albuterol: Treats breathing difficulties.
  15. Furosemide: Manages fluid retention and high blood pressure.
  16. Ranitidine: Reduces stomach acid.
  17. Trazodone: Aids with sleep and mood.
  18. Levothyroxine: Treats thyroid disorders.
  19. Metformin: For diabetes control.
  20. Hydralazine: Lowers blood pressure.

Surgical Options

  1. Aneurysm Clipping: Repairing weakened brain blood vessels.
  2. Carotid Endarterectomy: Removing plaque from neck arteries.
  3. Stent Placement: Keeping narrowed arteries open.
  4. Thrombectomy: Removing blood clots from brain arteries.
  5. Angioplasty: Opening blocked arteries with a balloon.
  6. Pacemaker Insertion: Managing irregular heart rhythms.
  7. Heart Valve Surgery: Correcting damaged heart valves.
  8. Coronary Artery Bypass: Treating blocked heart arteries.
  9. Cardiac Ablation: Correcting abnormal heart rhythms.
  10. Heart Transplant: Replacing a severely damaged heart.

Conclusion:

Cardiogenic Middle Cerebral Artery Strokes (CMCAS) can be life-altering, but understanding their causes, recognizing symptoms, and seeking prompt medical attention can make a significant difference in your recovery. With advancements in treatment options and ongoing research, there is hope for individuals affected by CMCAS to regain their health and quality of life. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of CMCAS, don’t hesitate to seek medical help immediately to improve the chances of a successful recovery.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532297/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549894/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526002/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538474/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53086/
  6. https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html
  7. https://www.aad.org/about/burden-of-skin-disease
  8. https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-institute-of-arthritis-musculoskeletal-and-skin-diseases
  9. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html
  10. https://www.skincancer.org/
  11. https://illnesshacker.com/
  12. https://endinglines.com/
  13. https://www.jaad.org/
  14. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
  15. https://books.google.com/books?
  16. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
  17. https://cms.centerwatch.com/directories/1067-fda-approved-drugs/topic/292-skin-infections-disorders
  18. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Acute-Bacterial-Skin-and-Skin-Structure-Infections—Developing-Drugs-for-Treatment.pdf
  19. https://dermnetnz.org/topics
  20. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
  21. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/occupational-skin-disease
  22. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/
  23. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  24. https://rxharun.com/rxharun/rxharun/article-types/skin-care-beauty/skin-diseases-types-symptoms-treatment/
  25. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
  26. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_skin_conditions
  27. https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=List_of_skin_diseases&redirect=no
  28. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_condition
  29. https://oxfordtreatment.com/
  30. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
  31. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/w
  32. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health
  33. https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/
  34. https://www.aarda.org/diseaselist/
  35. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets
  36. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  37. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
  38. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  39. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics
  40. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  41. https://www.niehs.nih.gov
  42. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
  43. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics
  44. https://obssr.od.nih.gov/
  45. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics
  46. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  47. https://beta.rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  48. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

References