Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots (thrombus) in the blood vessels. They affect the circulatory system by preventing optimal blood flow to the parts beyond the blockage. Formation of clots is most likely due to fatty deposits (plaque) that tend to accumulate in the inner walls of the arteries.
They develop gradually over a period of many years. In persons with high blood pressure, the plaques tend to rupture and bleed leading to the formation of a clot which worsens the blockage. When these clots lodge in the blood vessels and block the flow of blood to the brain, Thrombotic Stroke occurs. The brain cells stop functioning in that area where adequate blood supply is not received, causing brain damage. Thrombotic stroke can affect either small or large arteries in the brain and most often lead to disability.
The main causes of Thrombotic Stroke include:
The most common symptoms of thrombotic stroke include:
The easiest way to identify if someone is suffering from Stroke is to look for the following. Remember this as “FAST”
Timely treatment ensures faster recovery as lack of blood supply even for a short period of time causes brain damage. If the supply is restored sooner, the chances of the person returning to normalcy are greater. However, if the supply of blood is cut off for a longer time span, it might result in lasting damage.
Since blood clot happens to be the main cause for this kind of stroke, doctors prescribe Clot-busting medications to dissolve the block (clot) and restore the blood flow into the brain. These clot busters are usually administered via an Intravenous line enabling the dissolution of the clot and removal of blockages at a faster pace. To be effective, these have to be administered within the 3 hours of the first stroke symptom.
A thorough clinical examination including a check on blood pressure levels, diabetes levels and neurological assessment will also be done. If needed, Doctors may proceed with an endovascular procedure to remove the clot or thrombus through a surgical procedure.
If the clot could be completely dissolved, within a short span of time the patient recovers completely. However if it gets delayed, there is extensive damage to the brain tissues leading to several types of disabilities. Depending on the location and extent of damage and the resultant disabilities, rehabilitation is required. Rehabilitation typically includes physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counselling.
Ayurveda is found to be extremely effective in the rehabilitation process of Thrombotic stroke patients. Ayurveda has various internal medicines that help restore nervous system function. A wide range of therapies are also available that greatly aid the recovery process. One such very effective therapy is Nasyam. Here, medicated oils are instilled into the nostrils, thereby helping the repair of the nervous system in addition to strengthening the nerves. Therapeutic procedures called Pichu, Sirodhara and Sirovasthi are also very effective in the treatment of stroke and other neurological diseases. Vasthi, is another very important procedure (administrating medicated enemas through the rectum) that helps in improving the recovery. It helps by improving the neurotransmitter levels in the body and thereby helps improve the neurological function. Ayurvedic treatment also includes a wide range of oil massages which help improve the microvascular circulation to the muscles thereby helping in strengthening them and making them less spastic (rigid).
Ayurveda, when used in combination with conventional rehabilitation therapies, can help a person regain his strength and return to near normalcy much faster.
