What to Do If You Have Had a Spinal Stroke - Oren Zarif - Spinal Stroke

If you have suffered a spinal stroke, there are several things to consider. Your long-term outlook will depend on the cause of the stroke. For example, ischemic strokes are treated with blood-thinning medications, while patients with cerebral ischemia need anticoagulant drugs or a procedure to remove the blockage. Patients with spinal strokes may need other medications and treatments, including physical therapy. This type of treatment is more conservative, but can provide relief from the pain, depression, and immobility that may result from a stroke.

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Several factors can increase the risk of spinal cord stroke, including heart bypass surgery, open abdominal aortic aneurism, and clot removal from the spinal arteries. This risk increases with any procedure that causes a blood clot. The symptoms of spinal stroke can be difficult to identify, though, and may be similar to symptoms that come with physical injuries to the spine. Therefore, you should see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms.

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A lack of blood flow is a leading cause of spinal strokes. High blood pressure can lead to blood clots and hemorrhages in the arteries, limiting blood flow to the brain. Without blood flow, the nerves in the spinal cord cannot function and send signals to the brain. Without the right nutrients, a spinal stroke can cause severe damage to an area of the body and permanently disable a person. If left untreated, spinal stroke can be devastating, leaving the victim with no chance of recovering from the stroke.

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While there are several treatments available for spinal stroke, the main goal is to determine a cause of the condition and a treatment plan. Your physician will conduct a thorough physical examination and discuss any past symptoms that you've had. Typical symptoms of spinal stroke include back ache and limb weakness. An MRI scan is often the best way to pinpoint the cause of the blockage and plan for treatment. However, if you suspect that you've suffered a spinal stroke, a cardiologist may want to perform a CT scan as well.

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A spinal stroke is a condition that results in full or partial paralysis below the level of the injury. The patient may also experience problems with sensation, sexual dysfunction, bowel and bladder, and mobility. The level of the stroke will determine which patients will be most affected. In many cases, a spinal stroke will not be life-threatening, but it's important to seek medical care right away. A stroke can severely impact a person's ability to move around and function.

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Although spinal strokes are rare, they're still dangerous. Approximately 0.3 to 1% of all strokes happen in the spinal cord. When blood supply to the spinal cord is cut off, the spinal cord no longer receives oxygen and nutrients. This disrupts the flow of oxygen to different parts of the body, causing the brain to lose the ability to communicate. In severe cases, spinal strokes may result in life-threatening paralysis. Although they're similar to cerebral strokes, the causes are completely different.

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Almost all cases of spinal stroke are caused by blood clots, but a small number are caused by hemorrhagic strokes. In either case, the damage to the spinal cord and the resulting symptoms will vary. A severe spinal stroke can even cause death. Although there is no definitive cure for this condition, the symptoms are often quite severe. To the best of your ability, your doctor will determine the best treatment for you.

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The degree of damage a spinal infarct does will depend on where the infarct is located. The higher the infarct, the more serious the symptoms. Infarcts may occur on the right or left side of the spinal cord. Damage to one tract can cause problems with sensation, muscle strength, and coordination. The effects of spinal infarcts depend on the location and severity of the infarct, as well as the treatment.

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Rehabilitation begins almost immediately after a stroke, and it should continue as needed even after the patient is released from the hospital. Some rehabilitation facilities may include rehab units within the hospital, as well as outpatient care, long-term care in a nursing home, or home therapy. The level of care will depend on how well the patient can participate in the different forms of therapy, and your doctor will help you make the right decision. If possible, you can also ask for help from family and friends.

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While there are no specific treatments for spinal stroke, some risk factors can be reduced or eliminated. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol are at higher risk of developing stroke. Many of these risk factors are easily controlled by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking prescribed medications. Likewise, individuals with cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and smoking should cut down or stop these habits. And a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of a stroke.