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Stroke
Brain Injuries
What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks
an artery or blood vessel in the brain or when a blood vessel
breaks thereby interrupting the blood flow to an area of the
brain.
When a stroke occurs, it kills brain cells in the immediate
area. Death of these brain cells causes the release of chemicals
that can kill brain cells in a larger surrounding area of
brain tissue. This can happen at a fast pace. In fact, the
“window” for interventional treatment of a stroke
is about six hours.
There are two types of strokes: hemorrhagic strokes and ischemic
strokes. Ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot blocks or
plugs a blood vessel in the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs
when a blood vessel ruptures or breaks in the brain. Ischemic
strokes occur in two ways: Embolic stroke and Thrombotic Stroke.
In embolic strokes, a blood clot forms in another part of
the body (usually the heart), and travels through the bloodstream
to the brain. When it arrives in the brain, the clot lodges
in a blood vessel causing a stroke. In thrombotic strokes,
blood flow is impaired because of a blockage to one or more
of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
58% of stroke patients do not present until 24 hours or more
after its onset. 17% of adults over the age of 50 cannot name
a single symptom of stroke. These statistics prove the need
for public education on strokes. The five most common symptoms
of stroke are (i) sudden weakness or numbness in the face
or an extremity(especially on one side of the body) (ii) sudden
vision trouble in one or both eyes; (iii) trouble speaking
or understanding (sudden confusion); (iv) sudden severe headache
of unknown origin; and (v) sudden dizziness or loss of balance
or coordination.
Treatment of strokes may depend on the type of stroke. For
instance, ischemic strokes are often treated with drugs called
thrombolytics. This class of drugs help reestablish cerebral
circulation by dissolving the clots that obstruct blood flow.
Another class of drugs used to treat strokes are called neuroprotectives.
These drugs work to minimize the effects caused by the release
of chemicals following the death of brain cells. Another potential
treatment for an acute stroke is called Oxygenated Fluorocarbon
Nutrient Emulsion Therapy (OFNE). OFNE delivers oxygens and
nutrients to the brain through the cerebral spinal fluid.
Neuroperfusion is an experimental treatment for strokes that
involves rerouting oxygen-rich blood through the brain to
prevent damage from an ischemic stroke.
Use of diagnostic imaging devices such as an MRI or CT scan
can help the physician determine whether the stroke is ischemic
or hemorrhagic. This is an important determination to be made
before therapy is instituted. Thrombolytic drugs used on a
hemorrhagic stroke will greatly exacerbate the stroke and
perhaps cause immediate death.
The Cochran Firm - Dallas, L.L.P.
Turtle Creek Centre, Suite 1400
3811 Turtle Creek Boulevard
Dallas, Texas
75219
phone:
214.651.4260
| fax: 214.651.4261
Edward H. Moore is Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law. Unless otherwise noted, not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
The statements and information provided on this web site are for the information of the recipient only. This site is not intended to provide legal advice and no attorney-client relationship should be deemed to arise from the receipt this page and its associated pages. |
Copyright © 2003 The Cochran Firm - Dallas, L.L.P.,
All Rights Reserved.
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