This month, we will discuss the topic of strokes (s) and brain health.   We have previously discussed Hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in blog posts, which transition into the topic of “stroke” as they are deeply intertwined.

Stroke in the medical community is called a Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), and in layman’s terms, is a disruption of blood supply to the brain.  Proper blood supply to brain tissue is absolutely critical.  Any disruption in blood supply and oxygen can be catastrophic, and it is imperative to seek help immediately if you suspect you are having a stroke.  The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the chance of lasting brain injury.

Strokes can be divided into two categories that each of which has specific causes.  A “clot” induced stroke is called an “ischemic stroke” as there is a blockage or a clot in a blood vessel that stops blood flow, causing ischemia or lack of oxygen to the brain tissue.

A stroke that is a result of a ruptured blood vessel is called a “hemorrhagic stroke”.  A hemorrhagic stroke is sometimes called an “aneurysm”.  An aneurysm is a weakened blood vessel that eventually collapses, causing bleeding, swelling, and pressure in the brain, leading to injury. Ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes may present with identical signs and symptoms, and it may be difficult to determine which type of stroke is occurring without a CT scan.

“Clot” causing strokes as well as brain bleed strokes may have similar presentations such as: sudden headache, loss of consciousness, paralysis on one side of the body, including facial droop and slurred speech.  “Clot” causing strokes may present as full-on symptoms, while others may present as a “TIA” or transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke), where the symptoms come on quickly but usually disappear on their own.   This is why sometimes patients can present with full-on stroke symptoms, and they resolve by the time you get to the hospital.  This resolution of symptoms could be the result of the clot becoming dislodged or dissolving on its own.

Any stroke that presents with full-on “symptoms” needs to be treated aggressively by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency department.  Brain clots can have very successful outcomes if treated early with in-hospital “clot-busting medications”.  Strokes that are a result of a brain bleed may be surgically repaired, and medications can help with swelling.

Urgent care or physicians’ offices may not be appropriate care for these types of emergencies due to their complexities.

The causes of strokes, especially those caused by clots, are usually plaque buildup in the body.  As previously discussed in another blog post, atherosclerosis is the process of fat and plaque that builds up in the arteries, while arteriosclerosis is the stiffening of those arteries.  Plaque can break off, causing ischemic strokes, while stiff arteries (combined with hypertension) may weaken those arteries, causing damage and bleeding, resulting in a hemorrhagic stroke.

A stroke as a result of a brain bleed is more serious than a clot stroke.  Brain bleeds may be the result of a weakened brain blood vessel that suddenly ruptures.  These types of strokes are more difficult to manage in a proactive way than clot-type strokes.  Since clot-induced strokes are related to atherosclerosis, they may be managed with proper lifestyle choices.  Brain bleed strokes can have an insidious and hidden origin, with their cause being unknown. This is why brain health discussions with your physician are important, and if you experience unusual headaches, fainting episodes, and neurological symptoms such as unexplained slurred speech and paralysis of one side of the body, a proactive  CT scan should be done to look at brain health.

What are the leading risk factors for Stroke?

• Heart Disease (CAD, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis)
• Atrial Fibrillation (Heart arrhythmia)
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Obesity
• High Cholesterol
• Smoking
• Age (stroke risk increases as we age)
• Family History
• Lack of exercise
• Stress

How do I prevent a stroke?

The best way to prevent a stroke is by living a healthy lifestyle.  There are some overarching themes to our discussion on Hypertension and Coronary Heart Disease (CAD) that apply to strokes as well.  They are as follows:

• Eat a healthy diet – low fat, low carbohydrates, and moderate protein
• Reduce blood pressure – either naturally or with medications
• Absolutely NO smoking – smoking may contribute to plaque buildup
• Limit alcohol – Alcohol may cause atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke
• Reduce stress and get plenty of sleep
• Get control of blood sugars – measure with a BGL and maintain normal ranges
• Supplement with fish oil
• Lose the excess weight
• Exercise (especially cardiovascular exercise)

***Progressive health protocols that may include CT scan, calcium scoring, and regular blood screening looking at inflammatory markers, blood lipids, triglycerides, and others.

***Anti-inflammatory approach to health and brain health, including: injectables such as NAD, supplements, detoxification protocol, and diet/nutrition.

***NAD has been shown to improve neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. This is important for learning and recovering from injuries. By enhancing the synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NAD supports the growth and survival of neurons, contributing to overall cognitive health.

Contact us at admin@mydrfreeze.com to set up a consultation with Dr. Karen Freeze if you need assistance with any brain health matters.