Cerebrovascular stroke

It is a suddenly occurring disorder of brain function, which is caused by impaired blood supply to some part of the brain tissue - 80% of cases, or cerebral hemorrhage - 20% of patients. The diagnosis is dominated by brain imaging (usually computed tomography (CT) is sufficient, rarely it is necessary to add magnetic resonance imaging), we also perform sonographic vascular examination of the carotid and cerebral arteries. In case of unexplained causes of stroke, a more detailed ultrasound examination of the heart is necessary. Stroke may present with impaired mobility, sensation, headache, speech impairment, visual disturbance or dizziness. Direct treatment of the larger group of strokes resulting from circulatory disturbances is possible in the acute stage, if the criteria (especially the time window) are met, by intravenous administration of an agent (thrombolytic) that can occlude the blocked artery - intravenous thrombolysis - methodology is provided in our ict center. For indicated patients, another option is mechanical artery patency, for which we send patients to one of the Brno complex ictus centres. Secondary prevention is important in order to minimise the risk of recurrence of stroke; this includes surgical treatment of narrowed cerebral arteries, medical treatment of blood clotting, lifestyle changes, etc. For patients who continue to have neurological deficits despite all treatment, we work with our rehabilitation department. We start rehabilitation as early as in the acute phase of the disease in the intensive care unit.