Stroke

All About Cerebral Embolism

Cerebral Embolism Definition

The most common type of embolic stroke, cerebral embolism, is a condition where a blood clot formed in one part of the body travels  through the blood to the brain. The clot blocks  oxygen and blood flow and eventually, the brain cells affected die in that part of the brain – the cerebrum. If the blood supply is not restored, it can cause  permanent brain damage.

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain that controls muscle function, speech, emotions, thoughts, reading, writing, and learning. A cerebral embolism causes the patient to have difficulty walking, speaking and may also cause numbness and paralysis. This is an emergency situation which also carries a high  risk of reoccurrence.

Causes of Cerebral Embolism

Studies have found that cerebral embolism typically affects those between the ages of 30 and 50. A patient is at higher risk if these conditions already exist:

• Heart disease
• Heart surgery
• Atrial fibrillation

Patients with heart disease are at the highest risk from this group Other risk factors are also associated, such as obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, drug use, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. 

Symptoms of Cerebral Embolism

Symptoms of cerebral embolism include:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Difficulty speaking
• Vision problems
• Numbness in the face, arms, or legs

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, the acronym FAST helps to understand if a stroke has occurred:

• Face: Face droops downwards when asked to smile
• Arms: Arm sags when a patient is asked to raise both arms
• Speech: Is the patient able to say simple phrases?
• Time: If the above symptoms present, call 911 immediately.

Treatment for Embolism

1. Medications: A doctor may prescribe thrombolytic medicines to dissolve blood clots and aspirin to reduce the chance of developing further blood clots. Anticoagulants also help prevent blood clots.
2. Surgery: If the symptoms persist, the doctor may advise surgery to remove the blood clot.

Stroke Recovery

After a stroke of this intensity, a person will need time to regain physical strength and lost functionality. Depending on the severity of the stroke, the following may also help the parient to recover:

• Physiotherapy: Exercises focused on muscle control, movement, and coordination of the brain and body can bring strength and functionality to the body part affected by the stroke.
• Speech therapy: A speech therapist can help the patient communicate properly after a stroke. 
• Support groups: Joining a support group helps to ease the emotional toll a stroke can take on the patient.

HPFY has a wide range of speech therapy tools to help stroke victims. Some of our top aids include:

1. GoTalk 20+Communicator

An easy-to-use communication device for those with limited to no speech. It can record and store up to 100 messages and up to 15 minutes in total. It comes with 20 programmable buttons which can be personalized with pictures and recordings. It also has five additional buttons for frequently used words.

2. Mountain Precision NuVois I Electronic Larynx Speech Aid Device

Helpful for those with speech disorders. Designed with a manual control for voice pitch and volume this speech aid is shock and water-resistant device and comes with two rechargeable batteries.

3. Chattervox 100 Voice Speech Amplifier

Affordable and simple to operate, this FSA-approved device is a great solution for people with low-volume speech. Ideal for those with mild to moderate speech impairments, this personal amplifier is great for teachers, tour guides, presenters, and coaches.

Tips to Prevent Cerebral Embolism

The American Stroke Association states 80% of strokes are preventable. Here are some ways that you can prevent a stroke:

• Change in lifestyle habits
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Eating a healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding lying down or sitting for long periods of time
• Consuming a low-salt diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight

The ASA advises that stroke survivors should engage in at least 10 minutes of physical activity four times a week or 20 minutes of vigorous activity twice a week. Physical therapy or exercise assistance is a must for stroke victims unable to exercise independently.

Those who suffer from atrial fibrillation, a condition of irregular heartbeats, are at a higher risk of stroke reoccurance. Regularly monitoring the heartbeat of those with A-fib is extremely important. Learn more at ASA Stroke Guidelines.

If left untreated, a cerebral embolism can lead to brain damage, disability, and even death. Remember that the acronym FAST is a useful and quick way to identify a stroke. This is an emergency situation and it is extrememly important to act as quickly as possible. Proper and consistent post-stroke treatment is equally important to regain lost strength and functionality.

 

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