Non-hemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs due to blockage in the blood vessels of the brain. Stroke, also known as an infarct stroke or ischemic stroke, is the most common type of stroke. It is estimated that more than 80% of stroke cases worldwide are caused by non-hemorrhagic stroke.
A stroke can occur when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or severely reduced, causing brain cells to die. Types of stroke, namely hemorrhagic stroke and non-hemorrhagic stroke. Both types of stroke are emergency conditions that need to be treated immediately.
There are many factors that can increase a person's risk of having a stroke, including:
- Overweight (overweight) or obesity
- Rarely move or exercise
- The habit of smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages
- Use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine
- Certain diseases, such as heart rhythm disorders, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol
- Family history of stroke
Non-Hemorrhagic Stroke Causes and Symptoms
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding and swelling of the brain. This will then damage brain cells and tissues.
In contrast to hemorrhagic strokes, non-hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes have two possible causes. The first cause is a blood clot that forms in the blood vessels of the brain, while the second cause is a blood clot that forms in another part of the body, but is carried to the brain.
These blood clots can stop blood flow to certain parts of the brain. Symptoms of a non-hemorrhagic stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected by blood flow.
In general, a non-hemorrhagic stroke can cause the following symptoms:
- Sudden numbness or difficulty moving facial, arm, or leg muscles on one side of the body or even the whole body
- Difficulty speaking and understanding other people's speech
- Difficult to swallow
- Dizziness and headache
- Loss of balance and difficulty walking
- Blurred vision
If you or your relatives experience the symptoms of a non-hemorrhagic stroke above, you should immediately consult a doctor or visit the nearest hospital to get further treatment.
Non-Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment
Treatment for stroke depends on several things, such as the type of stroke and how long it lasts. The sooner the stroke treatment is carried out, the faster the recovery.
The following are some types of treatment that can be carried out by doctors in non-hemorrhagic stroke patients:
Administration of drugs
If the symptoms of a new stroke appear within 3–4.5 hours, the doctor may give you a type of medication tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) via infusion. This drug works to dissolve or destroy blockages in the blood vessels of the brain that cause strokes.
However, not everyone can receive TPA, because of the risk of causing bleeding. If TPA drugs are not available, your doctor may prescribe other medications, such as blood thinners or anticoagulants, to prevent new blockages in the brain's blood vessels.
Installation stenting in the blood vessels of the brain
In addition to giving drugs, doctors can also repair blocked blood flow in the brain of stroke sufferers with procedures stenting.
Research shows that patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke who undergo the procedure stenting accompanied by the administration of TPA drugs, experienced a significant improvement in condition. However, this procedure needs to be done at the discretion of a neurologist.
Oxygen therapy
Stroke sufferers, either non-hemorrhagic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke, may experience decreased consciousness. This risks causing them to have difficulty breathing. To meet the oxygen needs of stroke patients, doctors can provide oxygen therapy.
In cases of severe stroke or stroke that leaves the patient in a coma, the doctor may provide oxygen therapy through a ventilator.
Operation
In certain cases, especially in cases of new non-hemorrhagic stroke (less than 6 hours), the doctor may perform surgery. This operation aims to remove blockages in the blood vessels of the brain and improve blood flow to the brain.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a follow-up treatment that is carried out after the stroke patient's condition has stabilized and has improved. Physiotherapy in stroke patients aims to increase the strength of the limbs, improve posture, and maintain body balance when moving.
In addition, stroke sufferers who have difficulty speaking or swallowing will also be advised to undergo speech therapy.
Stroke, regardless of its type, cannot be underestimated. The best way to prevent stroke, both hemorrhagic stroke and non-hemorrhagic stroke, is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, for example by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, and limiting drinking alcohol.
If you or your family experience symptoms of a stroke, either a non-hemorrhagic stroke or a hemorrhagic stroke, seek medical attention immediately at the hospital. The sooner help is given, the lower your or your family's risk of developing further stroke complications.