What Happens in the Brain During a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of essential oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die, leading to permanent damage if not treated quickly. Understanding the mechanics of what happens in the brain during a stroke can help us appreciate the urgency of treatment and the importance of innovative tools like Hemo’s EmerAX Intermediate Catheter in facilitating swift intervention.
What Causes a Stroke?
Strokes can be classified into two main types:
- Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for nearly 85% of all cases. It occurs when a blood clot or a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) blocks an artery, restricting blood flow to the brain. Without sufficient blood, the affected part of the brain cannot function properly, and brain cells begin to die.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding into or around the brain. The increased pressure from the blood leak can damage brain cells and tissues, leading to neurological impairment.
In both cases, time is of the essence. The longer the brain is deprived of oxygen, the more extensive the damage. That’s why the phrase “time is brain” is used in stroke care, highlighting the importance of immediate intervention.
The Impact on the Brain
When a stroke occurs, the area of the brain affected by the lack of blood flow suffers immediate damage. Brain cells, or neurons, depend on a constant supply of oxygen and glucose to function. Within minutes of a blockage or rupture, these cells begin to malfunction, and if blood flow isn’t restored quickly, they will die.
This cell death can lead to permanent brain damage, which may result in a variety of neurological symptoms depending on which part of the brain is impacted. For example:
- Frontal lobe stroke: May cause speech difficulties, changes in behavior, and paralysis on one side of the body.
- Parietal lobe stroke: Could result in issues with sensory perception and spatial awareness.
- Temporal lobe stroke: Might impair memory and comprehension.
The symptoms of stroke vary based on which brain region is deprived of oxygen, but all types of strokes require urgent medical attention to restore blood flow and prevent further damage.
Restoring Blood Flow: The Role of EmerAX Intermediate Catheter
Restoring blood flow to the brain is the primary goal of acute stroke treatment. In the case of ischemic stroke, this is typically achieved by removing the clot that is obstructing the blood vessel. One of the most effective modern treatments is mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that physically removes the clot using specialized devices.
One of the key challenges in treating stroke is accessing the blocked vessel quickly and safely. Hemo’s EmerAX Intermediate Catheter is specifically designed to address this challenge. As an advanced large-bore catheter with a flexible tip, EmerAX allows interventionalists to reach the clot site more quickly, navigating complex neurovascular anatomy with ease. Its large bore enables the aspiration of blood clots while minimizing vessel trauma, making it an ideal tool for both access and clot retrieval.
By facilitating faster access to the clot, the EmerAX Intermediate Catheter improves the chances of successful treatment within the critical window for intervention. This swift access helps determine the most appropriate treatment method, whether it’s direct aspiration of the clot or using other devices like stent retrievers to achieve recanalization (the restoration of blood flow).
The Importance of Time
Speed is critical in stroke care. The quicker blood flow is restored, the greater the likelihood of saving brain tissue and minimizing long-term neurological damage. Studies have shown that every minute of delay during a stroke can cost the brain approximately 1.9 million neurons. With tools like the EmerAX Intermediate Catheter, clinicians can respond faster and more effectively, improving patient outcomes and reducing recovery time.
Conclusion
When a stroke occurs, the brain is in a race against time. The longer the brain goes without oxygen, the greater the damage. However, with advancements in catheter technology, such as Hemo’s EmerAX Intermediate Catheter, doctors can reach the clot faster, determine the appropriate treatment, and restore blood flow more efficiently. This innovation is playing a critical role in transforming stroke care, reducing the long-term impacts of stroke, and saving lives.
