A spinal stroke occurs when the blood flow to the spinal cord is disrupted. The normal functioning of the spinal cord is dependent on a steady supply of blood. An interruption in the blood flow can cause tissue injury or damage, as well as prevent messages (nerve impulses) from traveling down the spinal cord.
A complicated system of blood arteries supplies blood to the spinal cord. The anterior spinal artery (at the front of the spinal cord) and the posterior spinal artery (at the back of the spinal cord) are the two main blood arteries (at the back). The anterior spinal artery is the site of the majority of spinal strokes.
Bleeds are the cause of some vertebral strokes. Obstructions cause the majority of spinal strokes in the blood flow (typically blood clots). Ischaemic spinal strokes are what they’re termed. Hemorrhagic Spinal strokes are what they’re called.
Spinal strokes are a relatively uncommon occurrence. They cause 1.25 percent of all strokes. Strokes that impact the brain are more common, but they are less common.
Why is blood flow to the spine affected?
- A clot in the blood
- Plaque accumulation causes artery narrowing (which can be caused by high levels of bad cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and other vascular risk factors)
Bleeding into the spinal cord, which is brought on by:
- Blood pressure that is too high (hypertension)
- A vascular abnormality of the spine (an abnormal connection between spinal arteries and veins)
- Aneurysm in the spine (a bulge representing an area of weakness in the wall of an artery)
Symptoms and signs of spinal stroke:
Depending on where the stroke occurs in the spine, the symptoms of a spinal stroke can differ from person to person. The intensity of the damage has an impact on the symptoms that a person has. A stroke neurologist will inquire about a person’s symptoms and do a physical examination if possible.
A spinal stroke’s most common symptom is abrupt, excruciating pain in the neck and back. Other signs and symptoms include:
- muscle spasms
- difficulty moving
- numbness
- incontinence, loss of bladder control
- tingling
- muscle weakness
- paralysis
- difficulty breathing
The signs and symptoms of a spinal stroke vary depending on which part of the spinal cord is affected. The extent of spinal cord injury determines the intensity of the symptoms.
What causes the spinal stroke?
Changes in blood vessel morphology cause the majority of spinal strokes. Blood vessel walls, for example, may thicken, causing the vessels to narrow. This can happen as a typical result of growing older. Reach out to the Top Hospitals In Coimbatore to undergo the proper stroke treatment.
Specific factors, however, increase the risk of this occurring, including:
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- heart disease or family genes
- obesity
- diabetes
- smoking
- excessive alcohol consumption
- lack of exercise
All of these variables increase the risk of damaged or dysfunctional blood vessels by putting more load on the circulatory system.
High blood pressure, for example, can harm and weaken blood vessels, making them more prone to burst and bleed. This may result in a stroke.
Spinal strokes can be caused by heart or aorta abnormalities in some situations. Severely low blood pressure or a lack of blood flow through the aorta are examples of these issues. Tangled blood arteries can potentially induce a vertebral stroke in rare cases.
Diagnosis of the spinal cord:
Anyone who has suffered a vertebral stroke requires quick medical attention and diagnosis.
They’ll check for symptoms that indicate an issue with the spinal cord, such as leg weakness. An MRI is frequently required if the Best Stroke Specialist in Coimbatore detects a spinal stroke to rule out other disorders that could harm the spinal cord.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can also be used to determine the presence and location of a blockage or hemorrhage.
Spinal stroke treatment in Coimbatore:
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications are what they’re called. Medication may also be required to control a person’s symptoms and risk factors for a second stroke.
A doctor may prescribe medication to persons with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, for example, in order to regulate these problems.
Paralysis patients may benefit from occupational and physical therapy, which can help them restore some range of motion.
A urinary catheter may be required if a person loses control of their bladder. The cause determines the treatment for a spinal stroke. In the event of an ischemic spinal stroke, a doctor will prescribe blood thinners to lower the chance of blood clots in the spinal cord.
What are the long-term effects of spinal stroke?
The following are some of the long-term effects of a spinal stroke:
- physical problems and paralysis
- pain
- bowel and bladder problems
- sexual problems
- depression
If you are experiencing these long-term impacts, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, stroke neurologists, clinical psychologists, or counselors may be able to help.
What happens if the spinal stroke is left untreated?
Depending on the extent of the damage and the location of the stroke, spinal strokes can have serious, long-term consequences.
A spinal stroke can result in the following complications:
- mobility problems
- paralysis
- incontinence
- sexual dysfunction
- muscle, joint, or nerve pain
- anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
What is involved in the recovery of spinal stroke?
Complete recovery from a vertebral stroke is feasible. The cause and location of the stroke, the amount of the damage, the success of therapy, and the individual’s overall health status all influence the chances of a full recovery.
However, many patients will have long-term difficulties as a result of a vertebral stroke, necessitating long-term therapy or lifestyle adjustments. Reach out to the best stroke treatment hospital to undergo stroke treatment.
To lower risk factors and improve the odds of a full recovery, most patients must make specific lifestyle modifications.
These could include the following:
- adopting a healthful, balanced diet
- exercising regularly
- stopping smoking
- reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
- reducing alcohol consumption
In the end, your loved one’s prospects of recovery following a spinal cord stroke are determined by a number of factors, the most important of which are:
How quickly they receive care and how seriously the stroke harms their body.
In case the symptoms persist for a long time, you can reach out to the hospital to get treatment for spinal cord stroke.