For the brain to function properly, its cells need oxygen and glucose. If there is a failure in any part of the blood flow, the organ does not get enough nutrition and cell death occurs. An example of such a problem is a microstroke - a disruption of blood circulation in the brain due to damage of small vessels and capillaries. Despite the prefix "micro", this is a dangerous condition that requires urgent examination and treatment.

 Stroke and microstroke: definitions, similarities and differences

Stroke is an acute violation of cerebral circulation, accompanied by the development of structural changes in its tissues, as well as persistent symptomatology that persists for more than 24 hours. It comes in two types:
Ischaemic, or cerebral infarction. Occurs due to a violation of blood flow through the arteries due to narrowing or blockage of the lumen of the cerebral vessel. Its subtype is lacunar stroke, caused by the lesion of small perforating arteries and, covering a small area (up to 15 mm in diameter), with further formation of a cavity - lacuna.
Haemorrhagic, or brain haemorrhage. Occurs when a blood vessel ruptures.
Microstroke is a small damage and disruption of cerebral blood circulation, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours. It does not form large foci of damage, affects only small areas of the brain surface and leads to temporary disruption of the nervous system.

Microstroke is called the "little brother" of stroke. Both pathologies imply a disruption of blood circulation in the brain. But there is one big difference between them - in microstroke there is a "switching off" from the blood flow of small blood vessels, as a result of which:

- a small area of circulation is affected;
- the attack lasts for a short period of time;
- the brain function recovers on its own;
- vital functions are not affected;
- the person looks healthy.

Microstroke often remains undiagnosed, as a person does not even suspect the presence of such a serious problem. Usually this condition is regarded as an attack of headache or migraine, so an analgesic drug is taken to eliminate the symptom. And that helps. But according to statistics, 35% of people develop a stroke within a few weeks after a microstroke.

Symptoms

The first signs of a microstroke appear suddenly. The main "red flags" are:

- Facial asymmetry, one half has "moved out"
- A person has difficulty smiling, smile asymmetry
- Slurred, distorted speech.
- Sluggishness, lost
- Inability to raise the arms and keep them in a raised position.
- Other possible manifestations of microstroke:
- Numbness on one side of the body
- Headache, dizziness
- Inability to swallow saliva
- Loss of vision, appearance of a dark veil in front of the eyes
- Nausea, vomiting
- Photophobia, intolerance to loud sounds

First aid for microstroke

When the first symptoms of a microstroke appear, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance or transport the person to hospital.
➡️ Before the paramedics arrive, you should give the patient first aid:

- Lay the person on a sofa or on the floor.
- Unbutton the shirt and remove any tightness in the chest.
- Open a window and provide fresh air.
- Dim the lights and eliminate any loud noises.
- Do not let the person eat, and if the microstroke occurred during a meal - remove the remnants of food from the mouth.
- Turn the patient's head to the side.

 Important: Do not let the person stand up. Transport to the hospital should be done only in a horizontal position.

 Medical treatment for microstroke involves a course of drug therapy. The patient is prescribed drugs to restore blood microcirculation, to dilate blood vessels, to dissolve blood clots and to improve cerebral blood circulation. After stabilisation of the condition, the doctor prescribes a course of physiotherapy, therapeutic exercise and lifestyle correction (revision of the diet, minimisation of stress and avoidance of bad habits).

 How to prevent the disease

 There are a number of recommendations that significantly reduce the risk of developing a microstroke. By following these tips, you can avoid problems with microcirculation and protect the brain from cell death.

Healthy plate ✔️

More movement ✔️

Less stress ✔️

Control your blood pressure ✔️

According to statistics, hypertension is responsible for almost half of all microstrokes. High blood pressure often goes unnoticed due to the lack of symptoms. Regular measurement of the indicators will help to notice the problem. B.Well tonometers can help you monitor blood pressure at home, at work or when travelling.
Timely detection of hypertension and take measures to prevent microstroke and stroke is only possible with an accurate and reliable tonometer. Such as B.Well PRO-36. Technology of individual inflation of air in the cuff Intellect Classic provides accurate pressure readings. Universal cuff size (M-L 22-44 cm.) makes the measurement process accessible to people of different builds. But what is the most important in this medical device is that it has Voice guided system and can be used by people with eyesight problems!