Although the concept of "microstroke" in medicine does not exist, it is often used by both doctors and patients to determine the condition of a person. A microstroke means the same violations in the brain as with a stroke, but with less force. Doctors say that successful rehabilitation after an attack is possible when contacting a medical institution no later than 3 hours after a stroke or microstroke. Mortality or disability overtakes a person most often precisely because of a violation or blockage of the blood supply to the brain. Consider the main symptoms of stroke and microstroke, as well as the differences between these pathological conditions.
What provokes a stroke or a microstroke
Stroke – this is a violation or complete cessation of the blood supply to the brain, followed by tissue necrosis (cerebral or focal). A microstroke is a violation of cerebral blood supply in small vessels with a lesser degree of damage and symptomatic manifestations.
In an ischemic stroke, an artery is blocked by plaque or a thrombus. In a hemorrhagic stroke, an artery ruptures and a hemorrhage occurs in the brain.
Rupture of an artery usually occurs for 2 reasons: rupture of aneurysm (congenital pathology) or high blood pressure.
If brain tissues are affected or the process of death begins, the functions for which this area was responsible are disrupted or drop out. If the blood supply to the left hemisphere of the brain is cut off, the consequences are felt on the right side. The left half of the brain is responsible for thinking and speech, which leads to inhibition of a person’s actions during a stroke and impaired speech functions.
What is the difference between a microstroke and a stroke?
Stroke – it is actually a cerebral infarction and is characterized by damage to the vessels of the brain. The prefix "micro" in the word "microstroke" means the defeat of small vessels or small areas of accumulation of vessels. A microstroke lasts a short time (from a couple of minutes to several hours) and the affected areas are quickly restored. Often a person does not even suspect that he had a microstroke. With nausea, severe headache and weakness, it is not immediately possible to guess the course of a microstroke. That is why, you should more closely monitor your health and in case of repeated cases of pain in the forehead and accompanying nausea, immediately consult a doctor. It is very important not to miss the symptoms of a stroke and microstroke, to quickly diagnose these conditions in people in order to provide assistance.
Read also: Differences between a stroke and a heart attack, a heart attack
Microstroke on the legs can cause as much trouble as a full-fledged stroke.
Symptoms of stroke and microstroke
It is very important to remember the symptoms of a stroke and microstroke in order to help the patient cope with the future consequences. From the first minutes of malaise, you should take a supine position so that the head is higher than the body. A cold compress should be applied to the head and a fresh air flow should be provided. Next, call an ambulance and describe the entire condition of the patient if he is unable to do this.
Symptoms of stroke and microstroke are divided into two types: cerebral and focal.
Cerebral symptoms:
• headache against the background of nausea and even vomiting;
• dizziness;
• palpitations;
• loss of consciousness;
• disorientation in space;
• profuse sweating;
• lethargy, drowsiness or vice versa – intense arousal,
• increased blood pressure;
• numbness of limbs;
• sensitivity to bright lights or sounds.
Focal symptoms of impaired blood supply to the brain
Signs of stroke and microstroke vary depending on the affected area. There may be impaired hearing, speech, vision, coordination of movements. There is weakness in the limbs, partial or complete blindness, loss of speech abilities, stupor.
At risk for stroke or microstroke are
• female (men are much less likely to have a stroke);
• people who lead a sedentary lifestyle;
• weather sensitive patients;
• the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cerebral atherosclerosis, aneurysms;
• fat people;
• people who are fond of smoking and drinking alcohol.
It is easier to get rid of the consequences of a microstroke than a full-fledged stroke, so remember the main symptoms of a stroke and microstroke in order to timely help your neighbor, and possibly yourself.
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