Stroke on the left side is quite common and is a very common problem. This disease is a sudden acute violation of cerebral circulation, which manifests itself in the form of blockage of the vessels that feed it, and a number of neurological symptoms. The consequences of such a condition are very different and largely depend on the area in which the pathology has developed. It is very important to carry out timely diagnosis and adequate treatment.
Main types of stroke
Stroke can be hemorrhagic or ischemic. The latter manifests itself in the form of a violation of the flow of blood to the brain. As a result, the access of oxygen and nutrients is deteriorating. This provokes the development of ischemia up to the onset of a heart attack, which is characterized by complete necrosis of certain structures without the possibilitytheir subsequent recovery.
Hemorrhagic lesion develops as a result of bleeding in the brain. Previously, such a pathology occurred only in people over 50 years old, and now, unfortunately, this lesion is also observed at a young age. The consequences of a hemorrhagic stroke on the left side are much more complicated than with an ischemic one, and this is due to the fact that the central nervous system is affected. As a result, many vital processes are disrupted, many of which cannot be restored.
Signs and symptoms of lesions
Among the first signs of an impending ischemic stroke on the left side are the following:
- the patient's smile twists and his lips twist to one side;
- speech is disturbed, a person slurs words;
- he has weakness in his hand.
In addition to the listed signs of an ischemic attack, there are other symptoms. These include the following:
- sharp headache;
- discoordination of movements;
- fainting;
- deterioration of swallowing and respiratory function.
If all these signs are observed throughout the day, then this indicates the course of a transient ischemic attack. If they do not pass within a day, then the patient is diagnosed with an ischemic stroke of the left side of the brain. This condition is dangerous because it can provoke paralysis of the entire right side of the body. In addition, on the left side of the brain are areas responsible for speechfunctions, which is why the deterioration of the latter or even complete loss is possible.
This feature is due to the fact that the neurons of the brain cells responsible for the ability to express thoughts, control movements and remember information lose their conductivity. The death of cells is associated with a lack of oxygen as a result of clogging of blood vessels.
Diagnostics
A qualified doctor can recognize the course of a stroke on the left side according to the symptoms. In any case, before starting therapy, he needs to determine the localization of the lesion and its area. All this is very important for emergency care, intensive care and rehabilitation. More research is needed to get a more accurate picture:
- blood and urine test;
- brain tomography;
- ultrasound diagnostics and ECG of the heart.
After admission to the intensive care unit, the patient needs to systematically measure pressure, as well as take other vital signs, in particular, such as breathing, pulse, temperature. In some cases, additional research may be required to assess the condition of the vessels.
First aid
If a stroke on the left side of the brain is suspected, the patient should immediately call an ambulance, and at the same time, it is necessary to explain to the dispatcher very accurately what exactly is happening to the person. The victim definitely needs the help of a neurologist, and it is important that this particularthe doctor has arrived.
While waiting for the arrival of doctors, you need to provide first aid to the patient yourself:
- Slightly raise the patient's head by placing a low pillow under it.
- Provide fresh air into the room.
- Loosen the collar and belt on the victim.
- In the presence of vomiting, you need to slightly turn the patient's head to one side, as this will prevent choking with vomit. Then rinse his mouth with water.
- Measure the pressure and record the result.
In inpatient conditions, they will provide medical or surgical care to the patient.
Features of treatment
Treatment of a stroke on the left side of the brain will be as effective as the required medical assistance is provided in a timely manner. There are 3 main principles of therapy. These include:
- emergency;
- drug treatment;
- rehabilitation.
Emergency assistance to the victim should be provided in the first 3-6 hours after the attack. In this case, it is possible to partially or completely restore the changed neurons.
Drug therapy involves the use of thrombolytics, tranquilizers and anticoagulants, and during the rehabilitation period, massage, manual and kinesitherapy are required.
Medications
In ischemic stroke of the leftside of the brain, medications are selected purely individually, depending on the characteristics of the lesion. Basically, the doctor prescribes anticoagulant and thrombolytic agents. The first of them help to reduce blood clotting, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots. Among the most popular drugs is Aspirin.
In addition, blood thinners are also required, in particular, such as Warfarin or Heparin. Thrombolytics, such as Actilyse, are used to destroy existing blood clots. The patient must also be prescribed neuroprotectors. These medicines protect brain tissue and prevent recurrent strokes.
As part of complex therapy, antioxidants should be present to help cleanse the body, and vitamin complexes are also required. If a stroke occurs against a background of elevated temperature, then drug treatment is supplemented with antipyretic drugs. Antispasmodics and sedatives are also required to eliminate vasospasm.
In hemorrhagic stroke of the left side of the brain, treatment tactics should be strictly opposite. For this, drugs are used that promote the formation of a large blood clot and block the lumen of the affected vessel. Along with this, diuretic, vasoprotective and neurogenic drugs are prescribed. This contributes to faster recovery and normalization of the functioning of the nervous system.
Since a stroke threatens with partial or complete paralysis, the entire complextherapeutic measures are carried out strictly in a hospital under the supervision of doctors.
Traditional medicine
Folk remedies can also be included in the complex of therapeutic procedures. They are used to normalize motor activity and as adjuvant therapy. You can use them at home after prior consultation with your doctor.
A very good remedy in this case is mummy. It helps to normalize blood circulation, helping to improve the recovery of the body.
Physical exercise
Exercise has a good effect. The use of such a method of rehabilitation therapy is recommended from the first days of stabilization of general well-being. Initially, all exercises should be performed in a horizontal position with the help of a rehabilitator - the patient makes flexion movements with the limbs on the affected side, changing the location of the paralyzed fingers. After normalization of well-being, these same exercises are carried out in a standing position. Their intensity should increase in proportion to the improvement in overall well-being.
What could be the consequences
After a previous ischemic stroke on the left side, the consequences can be very different. It all depends on the severity of the pathological process, the age of the patient and the speed of providing first aid to the patient. The general well-being of the patient has an additional effect. In the presence of vascular and heart diseases, the likelihood of coma, disability and death increases dramatically. Among the main consequences of a stroke of the leftsides of the brain can be distinguished:
- paralysis of the right side of the body;
- violation of spatial perception;
- memory violation;
- impaired vision and hearing;
- weakening of mental faculties.
Very often a person after a stroke is paralyzed on the right side of the body. A similar manifestation occurs as a result of an increase in muscle tone. Such a condition can manifest itself in the form of loss of sensitivity on certain parts of the right side, periodic numbness of the limbs, as well as facial asymmetry. Often, such a manifestation is quite reversible and the degree of recovery depends on the quality of rehabilitation.
Regardless of the type and type of stroke, the victim often has a lack of coordination. With the defeat of the left hemisphere, inadequate perception of space is additionally observed. A person loses the ability to correctly recognize objects and their remoteness. This greatly complicates the process of self-care.
After a stroke on the left side, the patient's recovery can be significantly complicated by the appearance of changes in his behavior. With the defeat of the left hemisphere, the violation is to increase the impulsiveness of the person. He quickly loses interest in the current occupation and constantly requires attention. Among the consequences, one can single out a mental disorder, which manifests itself in the form of severe aggression, mood changes, irascibility.
In addition, one of the consequences may be a violation of memory, and in some cases, its complete loss. Since the left half is responsible for the logic althinking, then its defeat reduces the patient's ability to draw conclusions and remember digital information - for example, dates and phone numbers.
Recovery Features
What can be the consequences of a stroke on the left side, and how long they live after the defeat, depends on a number of different circumstances. Of paramount importance is the time of seeking qualified help from a specialist. Of great importance is the nature of circulatory disorders, the age of the patient and the severity of the course of the post-stroke period.
In elderly patients, quite complex and dangerous consequences are observed, which is why even high-quality and timely rehabilitation rarely gives a positive result.
It is worth noting that and what are the consequences of a hemorrhagic stroke on the left side, and how long they live after a stroke, largely depends on the correctness of the rehabilitation. To restore lost abilities, regular massage, physiotherapy exercises, as well as special classes are required.
Often, the patient undergoes significant changes in the psyche, which is why certain measures must be taken to eliminate negative manifestations. It is imperative to talk with the victim, assessing his reaction to all the information received. The patient must definitely create comfortable living conditions so as not to aggravate the depressed state and not provoke a deterioration in the recovery process.
Rehabilitation
What are the consequences of a stroke on the left side and how long do they live after a stroke - these and many other questions are of interest to patients and their families. As already mentioned, in order to minimize complications, it is imperative to carry out a comprehensive rehabilitation of the patient, which implies the restoration of completely or partially lost functions, both speech and motor.
Restore motor activity will help massage the affected limbs. It is worth remembering that the implementation of such a procedure is carried out by a specialist and a massager is often used. Manual therapy and acupuncture have a good effect. Their effect is aimed at stimulating nerve endings to restore sensitivity.
For rehabilitation, breathing exercises and classes with a speech therapist are also carried out. Frequent communication with the patient is required, encouraging him to speech activity in order to more quickly improve the pronunciation of words and gradually compose long sentences. By the way, only right-handed people need to carry out such manipulations, since their speech center is located in the left hemisphere.
Breathing techniques help to improve the functioning of the muscles, and also contribute to the normalization of blood circulation. Hirudotherapy (treatment with the help of medical leeches) has also proven itself well. In addition, it is important for patients to follow a special diet in accordance with the doctor's prescription. Recovery tools must be applied in a complex way, by combining several different therapy tactics.
Prognosis and life expectancy
With a stroke on the left side, the prognosis is often quite good. However, the restoration of completely lost functions and the return to a high-quality full-fledged life largely depends on many different factors. First of all, it is necessary to take into account exactly how the symptoms of the pathological process manifested themselves.
In general, it is impossible to accurately predict the consequences of an ischemic stroke on the left side, and how many people live after such a stroke. Some patients live for more than 10 years even after a severe form of the disease, and some die in the first year. The mortality rate in the first year of life is quite high. And the cause of death is mainly repeated defeat.
If the rehabilitation went without complications, then a person can hope that he will live for many more years with strict observance of the correct regimen. Of great importance is proper nutrition, refusal to consume alcoholic beverages and smoking. And to consolidate a positive result, you need to do sports.
