DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Neurological Disease

Ischemic Stroke

HIGH SEVERITY

Acute cerebral infarction caused by interruption of blood supply to the brain, typically from thrombosis or embolism. The most common type of stroke (85% of all strokes). Time-critical emergency requiring rapid intervention. Leading cause of disability worldwide.

Global Affected

13.0M

Countries

111

Symptoms

Sudden numbness/weakness (face, arm, leg)
Sudden confusion
Sudden trouble speaking/understanding
Sudden trouble seeing
Sudden trouble walking/dizziness
Sudden severe headache
Facial droop
BE-FAST signs

Treatment Options

Intravenous thrombolysis (alteplase, tenecteplase)
Mechanical thrombectomy
Antiplatelet therapy
Anticoagulation (cardioembolic)
Blood pressure management
Statins
Rehabilitation (physical, speech, occupational)
Carotid endarterectomy/stenting

Risk Factors

1Hypertension
2Atrial fibrillation
3Diabetes
4Smoking
5High cholesterol
6Obesity
7Physical inactivity
8Previous stroke/TIA
9Carotid artery disease
10Heart disease
11Age
12Family history
13Race (African American)

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Brain CT (first-line, rule out hemorrhage)
  • 2CT angiography
  • 3MRI with diffusion
  • 4CT perfusion
  • 5Carotid ultrasound
  • 6Echocardiogram
  • 7ECG
  • 8Blood glucose
  • 9Coagulation studies

Prognosis

Time-dependent outcomes: treatment within 4.5 hours crucial. Without treatment: high mortality/disability. With timely thrombolysis: 30% better functional outcome. With thrombectomy: 50% better functional outcome. 1-year mortality 15-25%.

Prevention

  • Blood pressure control
  • Anticoagulation for AF
  • Cholesterol management (statins)
  • Diabetes control
  • Smoking cessation
  • Antiplatelet therapy (secondary)
  • Carotid intervention
  • Healthy diet
  • Regular exercise

Research Status

Thrombectomy (mechanical clot removal) up to 24 hours from onset in selected patients. Tenecteplase replacing alteplase in many centers. Mobile stroke units. Neuroprotective agents in trials. AI for large vessel occlusion detection.

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.