What does a stroke cause?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on November 11, 2024
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Stroke primarily causes neurological deficits such as limb paralysis in patients. This paralysis is typically hemiplegic, where one side of the body lacks strength, the affected limbs cannot walk, and the upper limbs cannot be lifted. Stroke can also cause numbness in the limbs. Patients may experience reduced pain and temperature sensation on one side of the body, unable to feel pain or temperature. Additionally, stroke can lead to headaches and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, commonly seen in hemorrhagic strokes, such as cerebral hemorrhage. Furthermore, strokes in specific brain areas like the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and hippocampus can cause cognitive impairments. Patients become slow to react, have significantly reduced learning and memory capabilities, and their ability to perform daily activities and work is noticeably affected. Strokes can also cause unclear speech, where patients have difficulties in expressing themselves verbally and may even be unable to understand conversations.

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Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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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 Tang Bo
Neurology
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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 Li Chao Jin Zi
Neurorehabilitation
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Basic Principles of Stroke Rehabilitation Treatment

There are several key principles for stroke rehabilitation. The first emphasizes that rehabilitation should start as early as possible. In cases of ischemic stroke, generally when the patient is conscious and vital signs are stable, rehabilitation can begin after 48 hours. For patients with high blood pressure or cerebral hemorrhage, it is generally recommended to start rehabilitation after seven days. The second principle emphasizes the active participation of the patient, encouraging patients to actively engage in rehabilitation training and communicate with therapists to achieve functional improvement. The third point emphasizes comprehensive rehabilitation; stroke patients often have issues in multiple areas such as language, cognition, swallowing, limb movement, and functional balance, so it is suggested that patients undergo comprehensive rehabilitation rather than focusing on just one aspect. The fourth point stresses the continuity of rehabilitation, as rehabilitation therapy is an ongoing process.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Main manifestations of pre-stroke warning signs

The precursor of cerebral thrombosis in neurology is called transient ischemic attack (TIA). As the name suggests, this is a transient disease, mainly characterized by symptomatic speech impairment, facial droop, drooling, episodic dizziness, blurred vision, and episodic numbness and weakness of limbs. These symptoms are generally transient, usually lasting from several minutes to a few hours and can be completely relieved. The precursor of cerebral thrombosis is regarded as an emergency in neurology and must be treated promptly. Delayed treatment can possibly progress to cerebral infarction, severely affecting the patient's quality of life and physical health. In considering this disease, one must immediately rush to the hospital for appropriate treatment with antiplatelet drugs, lipid-regulating drugs to stabilize plaques, and treatments such as volume expansion and fluid supplementation.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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The difference between stroke and cerebral hemorrhage

Stroke includes hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke refers to cerebral infarction. Thus, they are included in the category of stroke. If symptoms similar to stroke occur, such as facial droop and limb weakness, along with a sudden increase in blood pressure, it is essential to go to the hospital immediately. The first step should be a cranial CT scan to determine whether it is a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, to guide further different treatments. Therefore, one must go to the hospital promptly if such symptoms appear.