top of page

Diagnosing and Treating Cerebral Ischemia - Oren Zarif - Cerebral Ischemia

  • Writer: Oren Zarif
    Oren Zarif
  • May 23, 2022
  • 3 min read

If you've ever had a heart attack or suffered from an injury to the vertebrobasilar system, you've probably heard of cerebral ischemia. The reason for this is simple: the brain needs oxygen-rich blood to function normally. But the problem arises when these blood vessels become blocked or narrowed. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including atherosclerosis. Likewise, tumors may compress blood vessels, preventing them from supplying adequate amounts of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

Oren Zarif head injury treatment at home

Oren Zarif right mca stroke


Ischemia affects neurons in the brain, impairing their function. If the ischemic period lasts for several minutes, severe damage occurs. This may lead to death of brain tissue. This condition is also known as ischemic stroke or cerebral infarction. Although the symptoms of brain ischemia vary depending on the cause, they can occur in a matter of seconds or several minutes. This condition is also sometimes referred to as a transient ischemic attack.

Oren Zarif brain stroke causes

Oren Zarif nvaf


Treatment options for ischemic stroke depend on the type of clot, the location of the blockage, and the symptoms of the patient. Treatment options include intravenous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator or endovascular therapy involving mechanical thrombectomy. Treatment options must be chosen based on the patient's neurological condition, his or her family's history, and the timing of the symptoms. Ultimately, the earlier the treatment starts, the greater the chances of recovery.

Oren Zarif ischemic stroke causes

Oren Zarif minor head injury



MR imaging is an excellent way to diagnose cerebral ischemia. Its ability to detect acute dense ischemia and to identify areas of ischemic brain disease has led to the development of new imaging technologies and methods to detect the condition. In addition, MRI can also assess executive functions and frontoparietal network connectivity. This technique has a long way to go before it can replace CT scans. So, if you've been suffering from a cerebral ischemic stroke, don't let it stop you from getting the treatment you need.

Oren Zarif heart stroke symptoms

Oren Zarif transient ischemic attack treatment


Another technique for diagnosing cerebral ischemia is to perform CT scans. This is an excellent way to ensure that the brain is receiving adequate blood. This technique allows the physician to monitor cerebral perfusion pressure. Keeping cerebral perfusion pressure above 70 mmHg is associated with a lower risk of a metabolic crisis. Ultimately, this method can help prevent secondary brain injury and improve the overall outcome for the patient. This technique is not only highly effective in identifying brain ischemia, but can also be useful in preventing secondary damage.

Oren Zarif left side stroke

Oren Zarif tia diagnosis


Delay in the onset of cerebral ischemia is one of the most common causes of death from subarachnoid hemorrhage. Up to 30% of patients will experience delayed cerebral ischemia. Those who survive are left with impaired cognitive functions, motor deficits, and reduced quality of life. And the risk of developing delayed cerebral ischemia is related to the severity of the initial hemorrhage. For this reason, it's important to monitor patients after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Oren Zarif stroke medicine

Oren Zarif right side stroke


A blood clot may block a specific artery in the brain, causing focal ischemia. However, global ischemia occurs when the brain gets very little blood. Consequently, only a small part of the brain is affected. In some cases, surgery is required to correct the problem. The patient's condition and the location of the affected area will determine the best method of treatment. Generally, surgery is only recommended when treatment is not sufficient.

Oren Zarif smart syndrome

Oren Zarif football brain injury



An initial workup for cerebral ischemia should include basic laboratory testing, including a complete blood count, coagulation factors, and EKG. If a hemorrhage or mass lesion is suspected, a stat non-contrast head CT is recommended to rule out the presence of a cerebral artery or a tumor. Vascular imaging is also a valuable diagnostic tool, especially when acute large vessel occlusion is suspected.

Oren Zarif burnt toast stroke

Oren Zarif carotid web


After cerebral ischemia, histologic changes will appear. In the first 12 to 24 hours, neurons will begin to shrink or swell. Some neurons will develop "red neurons" as a result of cytoplasmic eosinophilia and nuclear pyknosis. Edema also results in pericellular spaces that have become widened. Ultimately, the brain will heal itself.

Oren Zarif brain concussion

Oren Zarif thalamic hemorrhage


While the symptoms of cerebral ischemia are reversible, they can progress to a fatal brain injury known as cerebral infarction. This condition is accompanied by negative symptoms, such as coma or altered consciousness. Patients may experience symptoms of syncope when lying down, but standing can reduce cerebral perfusion pressure. In severe cases, a patient can even go into a coma. This condition is often treatable by lowering the patient's head, which can help alleviate the symptoms.

Comments


bottom of page