Cortical strokes occur when there’s a disruption in blood flow to the brain’s cortex, the outer layer responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and processing information. These strokes can lead to various symptoms depending on the area affected.
Types:
- Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a burst blood vessel leading to bleeding in the brain.
Causes:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High cholesterol levels
- Obesity
- Family history of strokes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Drug abuse
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Poor diet
- Sleep apnea
- Stress
- Head injuries
- Blood disorders
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Certain medications
- Genetics
Symptoms:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Confusion or trouble understanding others
- Difficulty walking or loss of balance
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Trouble swallowing
- Loss of coordination
- Changes in behavior or mood
- Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble with memory or concentration
- Fatigue
- Difficulty controlling emotions
- Sensory changes, such as tingling or loss of sensation
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Diagnostic Tests:
- Medical history review
- Physical examination, including neurological assessment
- CT scan (Computed Tomography)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Carotid ultrasound
- Angiography
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Blood tests, including cholesterol and glucose levels
- Echocardiogram
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- Doppler ultrasound
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Neurological reflex testing
- Visual field testing
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Carotid duplex
- Transcranial Doppler ultrasound
- Neurological imaging
- Neuropsychological testing
- X-ray
Treatments (Non-Pharmacological):
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Rehabilitation programs
- Assistive devices for mobility
- Nutritional counseling
- Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
- Support groups
- Stress management techniques
- Yoga or tai chi
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback therapy
- Meditation
- Relaxation techniques
- Hydrotherapy
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Pet therapy
- Virtual reality therapy
Drugs:
- Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
- Aspirin
- Clopidogrel
- Warfarin
- Heparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Dabigatran
- Apixaban
- Statins
- Anti-hypertensive medications
Surgeries:
- Carotid endarterectomy
- Angioplasty and stenting
- Craniotomy
- Surgical clipping
- Endovascular coiling
- Aneurysm repair
- Decompressive craniectomy
- Thrombectomy
- Ventricular drainage
- Atrial fibrillation ablation
Preventions:
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Control diabetes
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress
- Get regular check-ups
- Take medications as prescribed
- Wear seatbelts and helmets, and practice safety precautions to prevent head injuries
When to See Doctors:
eek medical attention immediately if you or someone else experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Confusion or trouble understanding others
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Trouble walking or loss of balance
- Vision problems
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Trouble swallowing
- Changes in behavior or mood
- Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
- Loss of consciousness
Remember, early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for individuals who have experienced a stroke. If you suspect a stroke, don’t wait—seek medical help immediately.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and 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.
