Extensive stroke

Extensive stroke is a large-scale lesion of several parts of the brain, which are due to a prolonged absence of oxygen supply or severe hemorrhage.

Extensive stroke - reasons:

1. Formation of thrombi in blood vessels (thrombosis).
2. Embolism - clogging the vessels with an embolus (a clot of bacteria or an air bubble).
3. The rupture of the vessel is a hemorrhage.
4. Aneurysm - a ruptured cerebral artery.
5. Hypertension - increased blood pressure.
6. Arrhythmia.
7. Hypertrophy of the heart.
8. Diabetes.
9. Smoking.
10. Increased cholesterol in the blood.
11. Sedentary lifestyle.
12. Obesity.

Symptoms of a major stroke:

1. Confused consciousness.
2. Convulsions.
3. A severe headache with a pronounced immobility of the occipital muscles.
4. Vomiting.
5. Paralysis of the body or face.
6. Increased body temperature.
7. Disorientation.
8. Coma.

If any of these symptoms occur, you must call for an emergency medical care.

Extensive cerebral stroke - consequences:

1. Paralysis is the immobilization of limbs or the whole body.
2. Paresis is the inability to perform certain actions.
3. Amnesia is memory loss.
4. Disturbances or loss of vision.
5. Deafness.
6. Aphasia is the inability to speak and understand speech.
7. Violations of coordination of movements.
8. Disorders of the mind and thinking.
9. Loss of sensitivity, violation of touch.
10. Disturbance of breathing.

Extensive ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke - coma

Often after a stroke, a person is in a state of coma. It is characterized by deep unconsciousness, the victim does not react in any way to what is happening around. A coma is a vegetative state in which the brain does not perform even the simplest functions, such as breathing and sleeping. Sometimes there are random nerve impulses that cause spontaneous reactions to external stimuli (limb movements, eyes).

Treating a Major Stroke

Therapeutic measures should be appointed by a neurologist after a thorough investigation of brain damage and the cause of the stroke. At the same time, the victim must stay in hospital for a long time. Treatment follows the following pattern:

1. First aid to the patient.
2. Admission of medications to normalize blood circulation.
3. Restoration of impaired body functions.
4. Rehabilitation and recovery.

Treatment for coma is much more difficult and requires constant monitoring and care of medical personnel:

1. Maintaining the patient's physical condition.
2. Prevent the occurrence of infections.
3. Prophylaxis of pressure sores.
4. Prevent the onset of pneumonia and pulmonary edema.
5. Ensuring proper nutrition.
6. Physiotherapy to maintain muscle tone.
7. Passive gymnastics to prevent orthopedic deformities.

Recovery after a major stroke

The rehabilitation period depends on how badly the brain was damaged and the quality of care for the patient. It can last for decades, requires regular classes. Recovery includes:

• taking medications to prevent recurrent stroke;
• compliance with diet and healthy eating rules;
• Physical exercises aimed at restoring the motor functions and sensitivity of the limbs;
• psychotherapy for the restoration of thinking and brain functions;
• exercises with a speech therapist, aimed at improving speech activity;
• Exercises to restore vision, consult an ophthalmologist;
• Use of special simulators to maintain muscle tone;
• regular rehabilitation measures at home.