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  • Writer's pictureOren Zarif

7 Tips to Minimize Your Risk of a Cryptogenic Stroke - Oren Zarif - Cryptogenic Stroke


Although the cause of a cryptogenic stroke is not always clear, following a physician's advice and monitoring your heart is the first step in preventing or recovering from a stroke. Lifestyle changes are another important step in reducing the risk of a cryptogenic stroke. Here are 7 tips to minimize your risk of a cryptogenic stroke. Continue reading to learn about the symptoms and treatment for this potentially deadly condition. Once you know what to do to prevent it, you'll be on your way to better health.

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If you think you're having a cryptogenic stroke, call 911 immediately. Your doctor will diagnose the type of stroke and give you the best treatment. While this may seem like a daunting task, the sooner you seek treatment, the better. By calling 911, you'll be able to get help and minimize your risk of a cryptogenic stroke. By taking action right away, you'll have the best chance of recovery. And, remember: you're not alone. Strokes are caused by many things, so don't let yourself be alone.

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Neurologists must balance the cost of tests with thoroughness in the diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke. Initial stroke evaluations should include brain imaging, noninvasive intracranial vessel imaging, and 24-hour cardiac monitoring. If these tests reveal that a cryptogenic stroke was the cause, additional tests may be needed. Blood studies may be needed to identify hypercoagulability. You'll also want to ask your doctor what tests are available in your area to diagnose cryptogenic stroke.

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A cryptogenic stroke occurs in as many as 30 percent of ischemic strokes. Several factors contribute to its occurrence, including inadequate diagnostic workups, multiple causes, and under-recognized etiology. Antiplatelet therapy remains the mainstay of treatment for most patients suffering from a cryptogenic stroke, although it is not an effective treatment in all cases. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the heterogeneity of CS and highlight the importance of investigating these factors.

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A cryptogenic stroke has an underlying cause that is difficult to detect. It is a common form of ischemic stroke that is caused by an abnormal heart rhythm (AFib). If you suspect you may be suffering from this condition, discuss your treatment options with your physician. AFib treatment may involve blood workups, diagnostic testing, and lifestyle modifications. A cryptogenic stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Your physician will be able to help you reduce your risk by implementing lifestyle changes that may reduce the incidence of cryptogenic stroke.

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Patients who have experienced a cryptogenic stroke should undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify the underlying cause of the condition. It is important to identify atrial fibrillation, as this can cause a stroke, and anticoagulation may reduce the risk of another one. During an ECG, a standard 12-lead ECG is sufficient for the detection of frequent paroxysmal AF, though it is not a reliable indicator of cryptogenic stroke. It is also important to monitor a patient with cardiac symptoms for a minimum of 30 days after a cryptogenic stroke.

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In addition to anti-inflammatory medications, doctors may also consider an implantable cardiac monitor for detection of occult atrial fibrillation. If atrial fibrillation is detected, anticoagulation is initiated. Although many studies have failed to identify a superior anticoagulant over aspirin, future investigation is needed in a subset of cryptogenic stroke patients. The clinical significance of brief episodes of atrial fibrillation and a threshold for defining the duration of these episodes are not yet established.

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Studies involving patients with a PFO have also shown a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke after a cryptogenic TIA/stroke. However, there is no direct evidence linking cryptogenic TIA/stroke to a PFO, and the association between age and stroke is not conclusive. Thus, the next studies involving older patients may be more accurate in identifying candidates for randomized clinical trials. While the results from these trials have been promising, they are not conclusive yet.

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In randomized controlled trials, PFO closure is associated with a decreased risk of recurrent cryptogenic stroke. Percutaneous closure reduces the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with a large PFO. However, it has not been proven effective in the secondary prevention of stroke in older patients. Nonetheless, it is still the recommended treatment for cryptogenic TIA/stroke. It is important to know the risks and benefits of PFO closure.

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