Causes and Symptoms of Cerebral Ischemia - Oren Zarif - Cerebral Ischemia

There is no single cause of cerebral ischemia, although it is linked to stroke. While the exact cause remains unclear, the condition is typically diagnosed when cerebral blood flow (CBF) drops below 50 mL/100 g/min. This condition has no cure, and it is treatable with medications. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent cerebral ischemia. Diet and stress management are recommended, as is quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.

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The symptoms of ischemic stroke include irregular zones of discoloration and blurring of the gray-white matter regions. The ischemia causes loss of neurons and gliosis (death of brain tissue). While most parts of the body undergo coagulative necrosis, cerebral ischemia causes liquefactive necrosis, which results in cell debris and neutrophils. In the event of cerebral ischemia, patients typically experience symptoms within minutes.

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While brain ischemia is caused by blood clots, the condition can also be a result of a tumor. Blood flow to the brain is vital for normal brain function. The internal carotid artery and vertebrobasilar artery are the main routes for oxygen-rich blood. The arteries can become narrow or obstructed due to atherosclerosis or other reasons, and tumors can compress these arteries.

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While the signs of cerebral ischemia can be reversible, there are also signs that can lead to the development of a stroke-like event known as a cerebral infarction. If left untreated, cerebral ischemia can lead to death or severe disability. The signs of cerebral ischemia typically coexist with angiographic evidence of narrowing of the vessel. This type of ischemia is not always easy to diagnose in a comatose patient. Therefore, physicians usually use surrogates to measure DCI.

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Untreated heart attacks and blood clots can cause cerebral ischemia. An untreated heart attack may slow the blood flow and form a clot. This clot prevents blood from reaching the brain. Some individuals are more susceptible to blood clots, including people with sickle-cell anemia. The hemoglobin-carrying part of red blood cells is impaired in patients with sickle-cell anemia. The abnormality in hemoglobin increases the risk of clotting.

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The initial workup for cerebral ischemia should include a complete blood count, coagulation factors, EKG, and cardiac enzymes. A stat non-contrast head CT should rule out other possible causes of cerebral ischemia. If no underlying cause is found, vascular imaging is helpful in distinguishing between cerebral ischemia and other types of brain tissue death. As the cause of cerebral ischemia is unclear, a stroke-related vascular diagnosis must be performed.

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The effects of brain ischemia may be reversed by reversing the process. In many cases, the cells will begin to release glutamate, an amino acid that promotes Ca2+ entry into neurons. This process is responsible for reducing brain swelling and the associated symptoms. In some cases, this process may be irreversible. For other patients, cerebral ischemia is treatable, though it may be difficult to detect.

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A recent large epidemiologic study of pulse pressure in hemodialysis patients found a relationship between SBP and MAP. Although there are no definitive correlations between the two, both BP and the incidence of downstream ischemia were linked to poorer discharge NIH Stroke Scale scores. This study provides some helpful guidance when dealing with patients exhibiting cerebral ischemia. While BP and SBP can predict the outcome of cerebral ischemia, the relationship between the two becomes evident only when patients experience extreme hypotension, which in turn leads to downstream ischemia.

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There are two primary types of cerebral ischemia. One involves an insufficient supply of blood to the brain. This results in limited supplies of nutrients and oxygen, which can result in brain damage. Cerebral ischemia has two forms and has significant implications for patient health care system. Experimental models and permanent occlusion of extracranial blood vessels have provided a means to mimic cerebral ischemia and develop therapeutic approaches.

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Symptoms of transient ischemic attack (TIA) are similar to those of a stroke, but they do not last as long. The symptoms of a TIA usually resolve on their own, though they can last up to 24 hours. Some people may experience facial drooping and difficulty with walking. Despite the symptoms of TIA, ischemia can lead to a full-blown stroke.

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The diagnosis of cerebral ischemia may include several tests. Imaging techniques include computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasonography has limited sensitivity to detect ischemia early. P-g-proteins and oxidative stress levels are common markers of neuronal death caused by ischemia. Other neuroimaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, are more accurate. They allow better differentiation of the damaged regions during earlier stages of cerebral ischemia, and they do not require radioactive tracers.