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Why does the brain die due to blood supply interruption? Uncover the dangerous process of brain ischemia!
Cerebral ischemia is a condition in which the metabolic demands of the brain are not met due to insufficient blood supply, which results in lack of oxygen and death of brain tissue, also known as cerebral infarction or ischemic stroke.
Ischemic stroke can be divided into focal ischemia, which is limited to a specific brain area, and global ischemia, which affects the entire brain tissue.
When the brain loses adequate blood flow, metabolic processes are affected, leading to an energy crisis that in turn affects vision, movement, and speech. If blood flow is interrupted for more than 10 seconds, the patient may lose consciousness, and if it lasts for more than a few minutes, it may cause irreversible brain damage.
Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms of cerebral ischemia vary depending on the area of the brain that is not getting enough blood. Some patients may experience blindness in one eye, weakness in their hands and feet, or weakness on one side of the body. Other possible symptoms include difficulty speaking, slurred speech, and poor coordination.
Symptoms of ischemia can range from mild to severe and can last from seconds to minutes or longer, and may be permanent if the brain is irreparably damaged.
Causes of cerebral ischemia
A variety of diseases or abnormalities are associated with cerebral ischemia, including sickle cell anemia, vascular compression, ventricular tachycardia, and plaque accumulation within the arteries.
For example, sickle cell anemia causes abnormally shaped red blood cells, which increases the risk of blood clots, while blood vessel compression can be caused by tumors.
PathophysiologyOther pathological events such as cardiopulmonary arrest, ischemic stroke, and severe irreversible brain injury may also lead to cerebral ischemia.
During ischemia, the brain cannot carry out aerobic metabolism because of a lack of oxygen and substrates. Because the brain is unable to switch to anaerobic metabolism, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) concentrations drop rapidly. The cells lose biochemical energy, causing a large amount of calcium to enter the cytoplasm and triggering a series of pathological reactions.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ischemic stroke usually involves classification of the etiology, including thrombotic, embolic, and hypoperfusion types. The diagnosis of focal and global ischemia relies on imaging studies and medical history, particularly in determining the type of stroke.
TreatmentCurrently, the effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke is the use of alteplase (t-PA), which can significantly improve prognosis when used within 3 hours.
In addition, timely supportive care is also crucial for post-traumatic recovery, maintaining blood pressure and avoiding hypoxia.
Research Directions
Currently, research on therapeutic hypothermia following cerebral ischemia is ongoing. Although some early studies have shown potential benefits, the current evidence is limited.
The prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia requires high attention and timely medical intervention, and this study may provide new ways of thinking for future treatment strategies. Are you ready to learn more about potential solutions to this crisis?
