A Strokes Could Often Be Avoided

Stroke is a widespread disease that affects many people in Germany. Every day, more than 550 people suffer a stroke and one in five of those affected die in the first few weeks as a result. Many strokes could be avoided with appropriate prevention.

A stroke changes a person’s life from one moment to the next – and that of their loved ones too! Even those who survive such an attack often have to contend with severe limitations such as paralysis on one side, speech or sensory disorders or a significant reduction in overall performance. One year after a stroke, 60 percent of those affected are still dependent on support, therapy, aids or care.

Arteriosclerosis is the silent architect of stroke

Dr. Josef Haus, neurologist in the orthopaedics department at the Marianowicz Center – Time for Health, is certain that the number of more than 63,000 people who die every year as a result of a stroke could be significantly reduced by early medical countermeasures. A medical analysis of the individual risk of arteriosclerosis, for example as part of a neurological check-up, could prevent a great deal of suffering.

“Arteriosclerosis is the silent architect of stroke. It develops unnoticed and can cause considerable damage. Targeted preventive measures can better protect the blood vessels and intervene before they become blocked,” explains Dr. Josef Haus, MD. It is fatal that changes in the blood vessels are often noticed too late or not at all by those affected.

Deposits in the blood vessels

As a result, deposits in blood vessels can increase unnoticed, turning the lives of those affected into a silent dance on a powder keg. This is because there is a possibility that a deposit will come loose and block a blood vessel in the brain, or that an existing constriction will narrow further and eventually close completely. In the event of a stroke, this can lead to the irreversible death of nerve cells due to insufficient blood supply.

Anyone who has ever tried to suck up a scoop of ice cream in a milkshake with a straw can imagine what a blocked artery does: nothing can get through! Dr. Haus explains that age is not the only factor influencing the elasticity of the arteries. There are also individual lifestyle risks such as smoking or obesity. If the family history shows that blood relatives have already had a stroke or heart attack, caution is also advised. Even in middle age

Who is considered a high risk patient?

People who suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes are also considered high-risk patients. However, Dr. Josef Haus, MD, is certain that acute, unexplained dizziness, especially with accompanying symptoms, should also be classified as a differential diagnosis in relation to a stroke.

On a positive note, the saying “There are days that cost years” can be varied with the right medical care: “There are preventive examinations that give you healthy years!” A neurological examination of the carotid artery is a must.

How does the neurologist examine the carotid artery?

By means of sonography – ultrasound. Vascular ultrasound, also known as Doppler or duplex, is necessary to detect vascular calcification and the risk of a stroke. By examining the carotid artery (carotid Doppler), pathological changes in the carotid artery such as vascular constrictions (stenoses) can be detected at an early stage.

Ultrasound of the carotid artery is considered a reliable diagnostic method. The accuracy of the examination always depends on the examining doctors. False findings or unclear results from sonography are always possible if the examiner lacks experience.

What happens during the examination?

The examination is carried out using ultrasound. An ultrasound probe is passed over the neck, which visualizes the vessels on a monitor. The speed of the blood flow in the carotid arteries is measured in order to identify constrictions. A morphological assessment of the constrictions can also be performed to determine whether they are hard (calcific) or soft plaques.

People with risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, increased blood lipid levels or who already suffer from an existing vascular disease should have themselves examined regularly. This also allows the progression of the disease to be monitored. The examination does not involve exposure to radiation and no special preparation is necessary. The examination normally takes no longer than 15 to 30 minutes.