Showing posts with label stroke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stroke. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Stroke Symptoms in Dogs

Stroke Symptoms in Dogs



A stroke, which is also referred to as a cerebrovascular accident, is a medical condition wherein distressing neurological symptoms occur due to disruption of blood supply to a part of the brain. This condition can also affect dogs. Though this condition is not commonly observed in dogs, it may occur as a result of an underlying disease.

Symptoms

A stroke can lead to a sudden deterioration in the dogs health. Here are some of the common symptoms that are indicative of a canine stroke:
  • A stroke can cause tilting of the head on one side
  • The dog may turn the wrong way on being called
  • Loss of balance
  • Sudden behavioral changes
  • Lethargy
  • Circling, house soiling and falling over very often
  • Difficulty in walking
  • Loss of control over bladder and bowel
  • Vomiting
  • Eyes may roll back and forth
  • Confusion
  • Loss of vision
Causes

Canine strokes are categorized into two types; ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the brain. This could be due to the formation of a blood clot or blockage that prevents blood from reaching the brain. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, tumors or medical conditions associated with the heart, kidney and liver could increase the risk of ischemic stroke. On the other hand, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain rupture, thereby causing blood to leak. Traumatic injury, vasculitis, lung worm, brain tumor or abnormalities in the blood vessels in the brain could increase the risk for this kind of stroke. Such a leakage of blood could adversely affect the blood supply to the brain. Physical and neurological symptoms appear when blood enriched with nutrients and oxygen doesnt reach the brain. Bulldogs and pugs are more susceptible to such a condition. It is believed that their narrow respiratory pathways increases the risk of strokes. Hence, extra precautions should be taken by people who have such kinds of dogs as their pets. Very old and very young dogs are also susceptible to strokes.

Treatment

There is not much that can be done at home for the treatment of stroke in dogs. So, take your dog to a veterinarian without wasting any time. What can be done at home is proper feeding and anything that may improve your dogs quality of life. So, if you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms in your pet, it would be best to take your dog to the vet. Diagnostic tests such as the CT scan and MRI can certainly help in identifying the underlying cause. Though the damage caused by this condition could be irreversible, pet owners can at least make the necessary changes and take steps to prevent another stroke in future. Once the underlying medical condition has been identified, the veterinarian can suggest the best treatment option. The prognosis of stroke is definitely better in dogs than in humans. The affected dog may be able to recover motor functions within a few weeks. However, the time a dog could take to recover would vary depending on the intensity of the stroke. Once a dog has had a stroke, the dog owners must be ready to accept the behavioral changes and help the dog.

Prevention is always better than cure. So, do take your dog for regular checkups. Several diseases can increase the risk of canine stroke, so make sure that you give your dog good quality dog food. Exercise is also essential, so make sure that your dog stays active. This will help to lower the risk of obesity in dogs. If the dog receives proper treatment without any delay, it can recover completely within weeks and can live a healthy life.

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Monday, October 3, 2016

Canine Stroke Prognosis

Canine Stroke Prognosis



The condition of stroke was considered as one of the rare medical occurrences in canines. However, with the advent and improvement of specialist tests, it has been found that this condition is fairly common in most types of dogs. So what is a stroke exactly. This disorder is defined as a condition wherein, part of the brain is devoid of adequate blood supply thus, causing a dearth in oxygen in the brain tissues and cells, eventually causing them to die. A stroke can occur in two forms; ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. The former type is known to be the most common types of strokes. It occurs when the brain arteries are narrowed and blocked (usually caused by a blood clot) thus keeping the brain from receiving enough blood to survive. And a less common occurrence is the other type, wherein, a blood vessel in the brain is caused to leak or rupture. Speaking of canine stroke prognosis, it basically refers to a prediction about how the condition would develop and what could be the most possible repercussion. And this prediction is done based on the experiences of hundreds of other dogs with the same condition.

What Influences the Prognosis of Canine Stroke?

Factors such as symptoms may give a clue about the current course of the condition, and the cause, about the severity. Also the complications of the problem may help to determine about how well the treatment can go, and the treatment itself can help in predicting the survival rate of the affected dog.

Symptoms
So how do you know if your pet has contracted this condition. When compared to human beings, canine stroke symptoms are different. Some of the most common symptoms which may indicate that the pet has had a stoke include:
  • The animal may be seen tilting its head to a side, or walking in a leaning posture. According to experts, the side of the brain that has damaged is the side to which the dog may lean towards or tilt its head.
  • The animal may become weak and appear so, as well
  • Losing balance is one important symptom that must be watched out for
  • The affected dog might turn to the wrong way when called
  • Losing control of bladder and bowel is another classic symptom of a dog that has suffered a stroke. So you may find your pet voiding in unexpected or unwanted places
  • Loss of appetite, lethargy, and behaving abnormally are the other symptoms
Causes
There could be many factors which can lead to the development of stroke in canines. The ones that vet commonly come across may include:
  • Disease of the kidneys
  • Diabetes
  • Disease of the heart
  • Parasitic infection
  • Tumors
  • Hypertension
  • Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
  • Vasculitis
  • Injuries and trauma
Among these causes, some of them commonly cause the ischemic stroke, while some are associated with the hemorrhagic one.

Complications
Depending upon the cause, the complications may vary. First, the symptoms which have been mentioned above may become permanent or stay for a temporary period, depending on how severe was the stroke. In addition to these, some dogs might become blind or develop paralysis. Also, the part of the brain that has been affected, and the underlying cause determine the severity of the condition.

Treatment
The treatment aims at correcting what has caused the stroke in your canine. Determining the specific cause or causes, not only help in the present situation, but also in preventing future strokes. For instance, if the cause is a parasitic infection, then worming the animal would be good enough for dealing with the condition. And if the cause is a chronic one, lets say, diabetes, then long-term treatment to control it may be put in place.

Prognosis

After studying the symptoms and knowing about what has caused the condition, a vet is able to predict the outcome of the condition. For instance, if the cause is a chronic one, then it is most unlikely that the animal would have a duly recovery. Dogs who receive prompt treatment, needless to say, have a brighter prognosis. Also, the same depends on how long has the animal survived after having diagnosed with the condition. Animals who have a longer survival, are known to have a better prognosis. In most cases, dogs are known to recover on their own within a few weeks. However, if the stroke has damaged a vital part of the brain, then the recovery and the prognosis may look bleak, depending on whether the condition can be treated properly.

What has to be understood is, prognosis is a mere prediction and must not be deemed to stand true always. It may happen that a dog whose prognosis is not a bright one, may have a full recovery, while one who was thought to be otherwise, did not show any positive results.

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Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Stroke Symptoms Eyes

Stroke Symptoms Eyes


Transient Ischemic Attack, TIA, Or Mini-stroke
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, is a temporary loss of normal neurological function, caused by a transient interruption of blood flow to the brain. ... Read Article

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NIH Stroke Scale [PDF] - New Template
Administer stroke scale items in the order listed. eyes and then to grip and release the non-paretic hand. Substitute The patient with brainstem stroke who has bilateral loss of sensation is scored 2. ... Get Doc

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STROKE OCCURRE NCE SYMPTOMS OF STROKE - Wvdhhr.org
STROKE OCCURRE NCE SYMPTOMS OF STROKE The symptoms of stroke depend on what part of the brain is affected and how large an area Decreased vision in one or both eyes! Language difficulties, either in speaking or understanding! Difficulty walking; ... Access This Document

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Basal Ganglia Stroke - Patient Education
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Warning Signs Of Heart Attack, Stroke & Cardiac Arrest
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Effects Of Cerebellar Stroke - Patient Education
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Speak Up - What You Should Know About stroke
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Reention (continued) let’s talk about Stroke, TIA and Warning Signs What is a TIA? TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a “minor or mini stroke” that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery ... Get Doc

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Ocular Ischemic Syndrome - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
Ocular ischemic syndrome is the constellation of ocular signs and symptoms secondary to severe, chronic arterial hypoperfusion to the eye. [1] Amaurosis fugax is a form of acute vision loss caused by reduced blood flow to the eye that may be a warning sign of an impending stroke. ... Read Article

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The Holiday Season Is Also The Season For Increased Strokes
(Special from George Curry Media) – For many years, researchers have been intrigued by a disturbing pattern: Deadly heart attacks increase during the winter holiday season. One study even found distinct spikes between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. A stroke is serious —just like a heart attack. ... Read News

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Stroke Symptoms Common Even Without Stroke Diagnosis
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Stroke - Women's Health
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PICA STROKE - Neuropt.org
If the stroke affects the areas of the brain called the brain stem and cerebellum, the symptoms are quite different. (PICA) carries blood to the medulla and cerebellum, and a stroke in this area is called Wallenberg’s Syndrome. ... Retrieve Full Source

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Stroke - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Options - YouTube
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Recovering After A Stroke: A Patient And Family Guide
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You and your family should recognize the warning signs of stroke. You may have some or all of these signs. Note the time when symptoms started and call 9-1-1 or ... Read Document

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Heart Attack And stroke Draft2 - Healthy.arkansas.gov
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Stroke - The Healthy Woman - Women's Health
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Stroke Symptoms-Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on only one side of the body-Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding-Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes-Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination ... Retrieve Document


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Thursday, August 4, 2016

New imaging method may predict risk of post treatment brain bleeding after stroke National Institutes of Health NIH

New imaging method may predict risk of post treatment brain bleeding after stroke National Institutes of Health NIH


New imaging method may predict risk of post-treatment brain bleeding after stroke | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Turning Discovery into Health

Institute/Center

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Contact

Barbara McMakin(link sends e-mail)
301-496-5751


New imaging method may predict risk of post-treatment brain bleeding after stroke

NIH scientists develop technique that provides new insight into stroke.
In a study of stroke patients, investigators confirmed through MRI brain scans that there was an association between the extent of disruption to the brain’s protective blood-brain barrier and the severity of bleeding following invasive stroke therapy. The results of the National Institutes of Health-funded study were published in Neurology.
These findings are part of the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution (DEFUSE)-2 Study, which was designed to see how MRIs can help determine which patients undergo endovascular therapy following ischemic stroke caused by a clot blocking blood flow to the brain. Endovascular treatment targets the ischemic clot itself, either removing it or breaking it up with a stent.
The blood-brain barrier is a layer of cells that protects the brain from harmful molecules passing through the bloodstream. After stroke, the barrier is disrupted, becoming permeable and losing control over what gets into the brain.
“The biggest impact of this research is that information from MRI scans routinely collected at a number of research hospitals and stroke centers can inform treating physicians on the risk of bleeding,” said Richard Leigh, M.D., a scientist at NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and an author on the study.
In this study, brain scans were collected from more than 100 patients before they underwent endovascular therapy, within 12 hours of stroke onset. Dr. Leigh and his team obtained the images from DEFUSE-2 investigators.
Using a new method of image processing, Dr. Leigh’s group was able to get detailed measurements on the extent to which the blood-brain barrier is disrupted following a stroke. Combining that data with findings from the DEFUSE-2 study revealed that large degrees of blood-brain barrier disruption were associated with severe bleeding following endovascular therapy. Extensive breakdown of the blood-brain barrier was associated with parenchymal hematoma, a form of bleeding in the brain that carries the greatest risk for the patient. In addition, the results showed a link between the location of blood-brain barrier damage and post-treatment brain bleeding.  
Ischemic stroke patients are increasingly receiving combination therapy, endovascular treatment along with an intravenous drug known as tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), to effectively break up clots in the brain. However, bleeding into the damaged brain tissue is a serious complication of both acute stroke therapies. t-PA has been shown to be most effective when given within a few hours of stroke onset, but the treatment window for endovascular therapy is unknown.
“With the growing precision of brain imaging technology, researchers are able to get a detailed look at what is going on in the brain during a stroke. Innovative studies, such as DEFUSE-2, can help patients and their doctors make more informed decisions about medical care,” said Walter Koroshetz, M.D., director of NINDS.
According to the authors, examining blood-brain barrier disruption on brain images may potentially help doctors identify patients not likely to benefit from endovascular therapy. “It is too early to say how these images will be able to help guide clinical decisions, but they can expand how we think about stroke, especially as we try to broaden treatment options for this disease that can have devastating consequences,” said Dr. Leigh.
The DEFUSE-3 trial is currently underway, in which researchers will use imaging data to select patients for endovascular therapy up to 16 hours after stroke onset. The patients’ recovery will be closely monitored for three months following the treatment.  
This study was supported by the NIH (NS039325, NS051372, NIH Intramural Program).
The NINDS is the nation’s leading funder of research on the brain and nervous system. The mission of NINDS is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nations medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
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Reference

R. Leigh et al. “Pretreatment blood–brain barrier disruption and postendovascular intracranial hemorrhage.” Neurology, June 17, 2016.

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