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A stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs when brain tissue is damaged. This can occur two different ways. In an ischemic stroke one of the arteries in the brain becomes blocked. When this happens, part of the brain tissue does not receive the flow of blood it needs to function and survive. The death of that tissue is the result. This type is more common. Or, in a hemorrhagic stroke one of the arteries in the brain leaks or bursts. The blood seeps into the brain tissue. As a result, the affected brain tissue dies. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary or mini stroke of the ischemic type. TIAs result when there is a temporary disruption in blood flow to the brain tissue. TIAs are extremely important warning signs for stroke and should not be ignored. Most ischemic strokes and TIA’s are a result of atherosclerosis, or plaques, in the carotid artery, the main artery to the brain. In western countries,
stroke is a leading cause of death, and is the second most common
neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. In the United
States, stroke is the third leading cause of death, despite a general
decline in the incidence of stroke in the last 30 years. Symptoms Diagnosis and Pharmaceutical Interventions There are several methods of helping to make the diagnosis of a stroke or TIA. A very specific neurological examination performed by the health care practitioner can help to locate which part of the brain that is affected. The basic neurologic assessment can be broken down into six major areas:
Many of these tests may seem rather silly, such as walking on the tip toes, but each has a specific function. Imaging studies may also be used, as a CT (computerized tomography) can differentiate bleeding inside the brain from ischemia. Evaluation of heart function is usually administered as well, to identify a heart attack. Blood tests that may be helpful include a complete blood count with platelet count, coagulation studies, and toxicologic screen. A toxicologic screen for cocaine or amphetamine use should be obtained in patients with either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in which substance abuse is suspected, particularly young adults with stroke. When a diagnosis of a stroke has been made medications are usually initiated right away. Anticoagulation drugs that increase the flow of the blood to the areas of the brain (when the condition is not caused by a haemorrhage) can reduce the incidence of long term neurological damage. If the stoke has caused a loss of consciousness, medications may need to be given by IV, as well as the basics such as fluids and electrolytes. Long term management usually includes some form of anticoagulation therapy, such as taking a small amount of aspirin, a known blood thinner, every day. Hemorrhagic stroke
must be identified before therapy is given as agents that thin the
blood are contraindicated. Surgery may be necessary in those cases. Lifestyle and Dietary modifications Exercise reduces the risk of stroke according to most studies. The benefits of exercise are probably due to its effects on body weight, blood pressure, and helping to maintain a healthy blood sugar. It also reduces obesity, which has been shown to increase risk of stroke in most studies. Excess abdominal fat (central obesity) appears to be more directly linked to increased risk of stroke, compared with fat accumulation in the thighs and buttocks. While losing weight and keeping it off is difficult for most people, normalizing weight with a healthful diet and exercise program is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of many diseases, including stroke. Having one or two
drinks per day has lowered stroke risk in most studies, but some
believe that even light drinking leads to an increased risk of stroke.
Regular heavy drinking or binge drinking, however, has consistently
raised the risk of suffering a stroke by increasing blood pressure
and causing heart muscle abnormalities and other effects. Diets high in fruit and/or vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of stroke, according to most studies. In a large preliminary study, cruciferous and green leafy vegetables, as well as citrus fruit and juice, conferred the highest degree of protection. Because it is not clear which components of fruits and vegetables are most responsible for the protective effect against stroke, people wishing to reduce their risk of stroke should rely primarily on eating more fruits and vegetables themselves, and having a healthy diet, rather than taking supplements. There is an association between diets low in potassium and increased risk of stroke. Increasing dietary potassium has lowered blood pressure in humans, which by itself should reduce the risk of stroke. However, some of the protective effect of potassium appears to extend beyond its ability to lower blood pressure. Maintaining a high potassium intake is best achieved by eating fruits and vegetables. A diet high in the
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been shown to lower the
risk of strokes in several studies. Eating fish, naturally high
in these fatty acids, has been shown to reduce strokes, and even
some of the risk factors associated with strokes such as high blood
pressure. Nutritional Factors Shown to be Beneficial Vinpocetine
B Vitamins
Homocysteine reducing agents Omega-3
Fish Oils Nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide (NADH) Coenzyme
Q10 (CoQ-10) Magnesium Vitamin
E Recommended NaturalMeds Products for Stroke Brain
Sustain Powder Neuroactives Omega
3 EPA Vitamin
E Mixed tocopherols 400 IUs CoQ10
30 mg Magnesium
Malate 625 mg |
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