Essentials of Stroke

Strokes are divided into two groups: ischemic strokes (85%) and hemorrhagic strokes (15%). Brain tissue is very sensitive to ischemia. When the blood flow is interrupted in the vessels feeding the brain, permanent damage occurs within minutes in the areas fed by that vessel. Especially in large vessel occlusions, an irreversible area called ischemic nucleus occurs in areas where the minute blood flow falls below the critical level. There are different blood flow belts that increase from the regions surrounding the ischemic nucleus towards the periphery and are fed by collateral vascular systems. Infarcts have not yet occurred in these areas under ischemic stress. This region is called the penumbra. This area can be saved by opening the vessel in suitable patients presented in the acute period. This is valid for vascular occlusion, but not for brain hemorrhages. Rarely, if an aneurysm is detected in subarachnoid hemorrhages, angiographic intervention may be required to prevent re-bleeding. Early and appropriate treatment of a stroke, which is important in terms of mortality and morbidity, is of vital importance. In our book, the identification and prevention of risk factors, as well as stroke treatment, will be covered. In this context, our book is intended to be a resource for medical doctors and students.