Bollywood superstar Mithun Chakraborty was admitted to a private hospital here on Saturday after he complained of severe chest pain. According to reports the veteran actor has been diagnosed with Ischemic Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA). While everyone is praying for the quick recovery of their favourite 'disco dancer', let's try to understand his health condition.
Ischemic Cerebrovascular Accident commonly known as an ischemic stroke, is a medical condition that occurs when there is a sudden disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. This interruption in blood supply is typically caused by a blockage or clot in a blood vessel supplying the brain.
Thrombotic Stroke: This type of stroke is caused by a blood clot (thrombus) that forms within one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. The clot usually develops in a narrowed or damaged blood vessel.
Embolic Stroke: An embolic stroke is the result of an embolus, a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain. The clot then lodges in a smaller blood vessel within the brain, obstructing blood flow.
The lack of blood flow to the affected part of the brain leads to a deprivation of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage to brain cells. This can result in a range of symptoms, including sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, confusion, and problems with vision.
Ischemic strokes are the most common type of strokes, accounting for approximately 87% of all stroke cases.?
Various factors contribute to the risk of ischemic strokes, including:
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for strokes, including ischemic strokes.
Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing vascular conditions that can lead to strokes.
Smoking: Tobacco use, particularly smoking, is a significant risk factor for stroke.
High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood can contribute to the formation of plaques in blood vessels, increasing the risk of stroke.
Age: The risk of stroke generally increases with age.
Family History: A family history of strokes or certain medical conditions can contribute to an individual's stroke risk.
The term "cure" is not typically used in the context of stroke, as the effects of a stroke depend on various factors, including the severity of the stroke, the specific area of the brain affected, and the timeliness of medical intervention. However, there are treatments and interventions aimed at minimizing the impact of an ischemic stroke and improving outcomes. These interventions include:
Clot-Busting Medications (Thrombolytics): In some cases, thrombolytic medications can be administered to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the affected part of the brain. However, these medications need to be given within a specific time frame after the onset of symptoms.
Mechanical Thrombectomy: This procedure involves physically removing a blood clot from a blocked blood vessel, often using a catheter-based approach. Like thrombolytics, this intervention is time-sensitive.
Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications: These medications are prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes.
Rehabilitation: Stroke survivors often undergo rehabilitation programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, to regain lost functions and improve overall quality of life.
The effectiveness of these interventions varies, and outcomes can range from complete recovery to long-term disability. Additionally, prevention plays a crucial role in addressing the risk factors associated with strokes. Managing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and seeking medical attention promptly can significantly reduce the risk of ischemic strokes.
With Agencies and AI inputs