What is an ischaemic stroke?
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According to the definition given by the World Health Organization (WHO), an ischaemic stroke is:
„a clinical syndrome consisting of rapidly developing clinical signs of focal (or global in case of coma) disturbance of cerebral function lasting more than 24 hours or leading to death with no apparent cause other than a vascular origin.”
Put simply, an ischaemic stroke is a condition characterised by the sudden onset of focal or global clinical signs that last longer than 24 hours or lead directly to death and that have a vascular cause. The resulting deficits later call for individual neurological rehabilitation programmes.
It is worth noting that this is a shared definition covering both ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke, i.e. a brain haemorrhage. Because the WHO definition does not distinguish between the different types of stroke, let alone their subtypes, clinical and pathophysiological classifications have been introduced into practice.
Ischaemic stroke – classification
The most widely used classification of ischaemic strokes comes from the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project Classification (OCSP). According to it, ischaemic stroke is divided into:
- lacunar stroke,
- total anterior circulation stroke,
- partial anterior circulation stroke,
- posterior circulation (vertebrobasilar) stroke.
Ischaemic stroke – symptoms
- facial asymmetry, shown by a drooping corner of the mouth,
- slurred speech,
- difficulty smiling,
- problems with balance and walking.
Ischaemic stroke – the most common deficits resulting from an ischaemic stroke
- paralysis or paresis of the arm and hand,
- spastic muscle tension,
- sensory disturbances,
- speech difficulties requiring speech and language therapy,
- visual disturbances.
Ischaemic stroke – stroke risk factors
| Non-modifiable | Modifiable |
|---|---|
| Advanced age (risk increases with age) | Social status, occupation, income and lifestyle |
| Male sex | Obesity |
| Ethnic group | Low physical activity or a lack of it |
| Genetic predisposition | Smoking tobacco products |
| Excessive alcohol consumption | |
| Uncontrolled high blood pressure | |
| Diabetes | |
| High cholesterol | |
| Previous strokes or TIA | |
| Atherosclerosis | |
| Atrial fibrillation | |
| Heart defects |
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Memory loss after a stroke. What it involves and what can help.
Memory loss after a stroke can involve difficulty remembering words, recognising places and learning new things. We explain what can help in everyday functioning and therapy.
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The next step
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