Brain stroke: Warning signs and recognition

Article by Doctor of General Surgery, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Brain stroke is a condition in which blood flow to a part of the brain suddenly decreases or stops, which leads to a decrease in oxygen and nutrients in the brain parenchyma, causing brain cells to die within minutes.

Brain stroke is one of the top 3 causes of death and disability in countries, early detection and recognition of stroke has the ability to restore nerve function and reduce sequelae.
Brain stroke can be in the form of cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage. In some cases, temporary but reversible ischemia does not lead to a severe condition known as transient ischemic attack.

In the case of a stroke, the word FAST can be used to remember the warning signs:
Face : face distorted on one side, more visible when the patient opens his mouth wide or tries to smile. Arm (hand): one hand is weak, the two hands are uneven. Speech (speech): speaking unclear words, stammering, or speaking difficult, unable to express what you want to say. Time: the time to treat the stroke as soon as possible, calculated in seconds, minute by minute. When you have the above signs, you should be transferred to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Depending on the duration and type of stroke, it can be fully reversible, partially reversible, or life-threatening. In general, early detection and treatment are less likely to leave sequelae and limit life-threatening.
For cases of transient ischemic attack, screening and detection of risks can be treated and fully recovered.

Screening and prevention of risk factors can reduce stroke by up to 90%. Local factors include: atherosclerosis, narrowing of the great arteries: carotid artery, vertebral artery, vascular dissection. Other factors include: atrial fibrillation, valvular disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypotension. Systemic diseases: diabetes, vascular disease. Based on the duration of cerebral ischemia, the patient's age and related diseases, doctors can determine the probability of stroke and plan effective preventive measures.
Vimec Central Park International General Hospital is a hospital with full facilities for examination and diagnosis: Ultrasound, CT, MRI, DSA, Rapid software,... to assist in examination and development. showing stroke pathologies; has the ability to screen for and prevent stroke, treat: fulminant stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral aneurysm, cerebrovascular malformation.
In which, Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI/MRA is considered a "golden" tool for brain stroke screening. MRI is used to check the condition of most organs in the body, especially valuable in detailed imaging of the brain or spinal nerves. Due to the good contrast and resolution, MRI images allow to detect abnormalities hidden behind bone layers that are difficult to recognize with other imaging methods. MRI can give more accurate results than X-ray techniques (except for DSA angiography) in diagnosing brain diseases, cardiovascular diseases, strokes,... Moreover, the process MRI scans do not cause side effects like X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans.\
Vinmec International General Hospital currently owns a 3.0 Tesla MRI system equipped with state-of-the-art equipment by GE. Healthcare (USA) with high image quality, allows comprehensive assessment, does not miss the injury but reduces the time taken to take pictures. Silent technology helps to reduce noise, create comfort and reduce stress for the client during the shooting process, resulting in better image quality and shorter imaging time. With the state-of-the-art MRI system With the application of modern methods of cerebral vascular intervention, a team of experienced and well-trained neurologists and radiologists, Vinmec is a prestigious address for stroke risk screening and screening. reliable goods.
In the past time; Vinmec has successfully treated many cases of stroke in a timely manner, leaving no sequelae: saving the life of a patient suffering from 2 consecutive strokes; Responding to foreign female tourists to escape the "death door" of a stroke;...