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stroke

stroke

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This interruption can be caused by a blood clot or a ruptured blood vessel, leading to brain cells dying and potentially resulting in permanent damage or death.

Strokes can have a variety of symptoms, depending on which part of the brain is affected. Common signs and symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden severe headache with no known cause; and difficulty walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination.

There are different types of stroke, including ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, and hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding. Transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a "mini-stroke," is another type of stroke that causes temporary symptoms but usually resolves within minutes to hours.

Prompt medical attention is critical in the event of a stroke. Treatment options may include medication to dissolve a blood clot, surgery to repair a ruptured blood vessel, or rehabilitation to help recover from stroke-related disabilities. Prevention of stroke involves managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

There are several biomarkers that can be used to diagnose and monitor stroke:

  1. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP): These are biomarkers of heart failure, which can occur as a result of stroke.

  2. C-reactive protein (CRP): This biomarker is used to assess inflammation, which is a common response to stroke.

  3. D-dimer: Elevated levels of this biomarker are associated with blood clot formation, which can cause ischemic stroke.

  4. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP): This biomarker is released by damaged brain cells and can be used to assess the severity of stroke.

  5. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs): These enzymes are involved in the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, which can lead to brain damage after a stroke.

  6. S100B: This biomarker is released by damaged brain cells and can be used to assess the severity of stroke.

  7. Troponin: This biomarker is used to diagnose heart attacks, which can occur as a result of stroke.

It is important to note that the use of biomarkers in stroke diagnosis and management is still a developing field, and their usefulness may vary depending on the type and severity of stroke.