Risk Factors, Signs, and Symptoms of Lacunar Stroke
When blood supply to one of the smaller, deeper arteries of the brain is occluded, it results in an ischemic stroke known as ‘lacunar infarct’. Ischemia results in death of brain cells due to oxygen deprivation. The signs and symptoms of lacunar stroke are attributed to area deprived of blood supply secondary to occlusion. Common signs and symptoms of lacunar stroke are: - Unilateral drooping of face - Slurred speech - Difficulty in raising one arm - Unilateral numbness of the body - Memory impairment - Confusion - Headache - Difficulty in understanding and interpreting information - Speech difficulties - Loss of consciousness - coma Chronic hypertension is the most common risk factor of lacunar stroke. Due to persistent turbulent flow of blood, the arteries become narrow, favoring the formation of cholesterol plaques or blood clots. Other risk factors of lacunar stroke are: - advancing age - diabetes mellitus - cardiac disorders - African-American or Hispanic race - Smoking - Alcoholism - Pregnancy - Use of oral contraceptives - Sedentary lifestyle - Drug abuse - Increased levels of cholesterol - Obstructive sleep apnea The risk of lacunar stroke can be minimized by routine medical check-ups. Active lifestyle and healthy diet also have a role in prevention of stroke. Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/lacunar-stroke-symptoms#diagnosis Image courtesy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacunar_stroke
