What department should I go to for a stroke?

Written by Tang Bo

Neurology

Updated on September 10, 2024

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Stroke is classified into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. If symptoms of a stroke occur, such as slurred speech, limb weakness, or other neurological deficits, one should immediately seek medical attention at the emergency department of a local hospital. Emergency doctors will perform a head CT scan. If ischemia is present, the CT scan might not show changes within 24 hours, in which case a visit to the neurology department is necessary. If hemorrhage is detected, then a visit to the neurosurgery department is required. However, if the symptoms are of a chronic, old stroke, then a visit to the neurology department is needed.

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Written by Tang Bo

Neurology

1min 3sec

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What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Stroke, also commonly referred to as cerebrovascular accident, is caused by the rupture or blockage of blood vessels within the skull, leading to necrosis of brain tissue and a series of symptoms. It is divided into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke, commonly known as cerebral infarction or stroke, while hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage. Generally, ischemic strokes account for 80% of cases. Ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of blood vessels leading to necrosis of brain tissue, presenting with a series of symptoms such as hemiplegic numbness. Cerebral hemorrhage results from rupture of brain blood vessels causing damage to brain cells and symptoms of compression, and may also present with symptoms such as hemiplegic numbness. Both types can be differentiated by their symptoms, and can also be definitively diagnosed through a CT scan.

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Written by Tang Ying

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

41sec

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What is the goal of rehabilitation during the acute phase of a stroke?

Rehabilitation goals during the acute phase of stroke. In the acute phase, we usually can intervene with rehabilitation treatment 48 hours after the patient’s vital signs have stabilized. The main goals of rehabilitation during the acute phase are to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, atelectasis pneumonia, urinary tract infections, deep vein thrombosis, and muscle atrophy. Additionally, it aims to improve impaired neurological functions such as sensory, motor, and speech therapies, and to enhance the patient’s ability for self-care and mobility.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

1min 3sec

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What are the types of strokes?

The common types of strokes include hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes commonly involve subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. Subarachnoid hemorrhage often occurs due to the rupture of cerebral aneurysms, causing blood to enter the subarachnoid space. Intracerebral hemorrhage is commonly caused by hypertension leading to the rupture of cerebral blood vessels and subsequent bleeding into the brain parenchyma. Additionally, there is ischemic stroke, commonly presenting as cerebral infarction and cerebral embolism. Cerebral embolism occurs when a blood clot from another part of the body outside the brain, following the blood circulation, blocks a cerebral vessel. Cerebral infarction happens when cerebral arteriosclerosis narrows down to a certain extent, gradually obstructing and forming cerebral infarction. These are the common types of strokes.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao

Neurology

59sec

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Can a stroke be detected through a physical examination?

Patients who have suffered a stroke can definitely be diagnosed if they undergo a head CT scan or MRI during a physical examination. Stroke is classified into hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, and tumor-induced stroke. A tumor-induced stroke is caused by a tumor, and hemorrhagic stroke includes cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Ischemic stroke refers to diseases such as cerebral embolism and cerebral infarction. Whether it is a hemorrhagic or ischemic lesion, over time, they tend to form a softening focus. These lesions are difficult to eliminate, and regardless of how many years have passed, these old lesions can still be seen in a head CT scan or MRI. In cases of stroke caused by brain tumors, the changes in size and location of the lesion can also be clearly seen on a head CT scan. Therefore, strokes can be diagnosed during a physical examination of the patients.

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Written by Tang Bo

Neurology

1min 12sec

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Common clinical manifestations of stroke

Stroke includes ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, also known as cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage. The clinical manifestations of cerebral infarction depend on the location of the occlusion, and may vary accordingly. Common symptoms include slurred speech and limb weakness. It generally occurs acutely, and may also include memory decline or a series of other symptoms depending on the specific location of the occlusion. If these symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as there is an opportunity for thrombolytic treatment within 4.5 hours. In the case of cerebral hemorrhage, patients may experience symptoms during physical activity, possibly accompanied by severe headaches, as well as symptoms of neurological deficits such as unclear speech, limb weakness, or other symptoms. Seizures may also occur. It is essential to visit the hospital immediately if these symptoms appear. If cerebral hemorrhage is confirmed, the decision for surgical treatment depends on the amount of bleeding.