About this topic
Apoplexy is a sudden loss of body function due to a blood vessel getting blocked or breaking. It may cause bleeding into an organ in the body. It can also cause a loss of blood flow to an organ. Sometimes, a stroke is called apoplexy. This is because there is either bleeding or a lack of blood to a part of the brain. Some apoplexies are named for the organ that they affect. For example, bleeding in the spleen is a spleen apoplexy. ‚
What are the causes?
A blood clot may cause apoplexy. So can a blood vessel breaking open. This can happen from: ‚
- Injury
- Blood clotting problems
- Problems with hormones
- Tumor
- Recent surgery
- Sudden change in blood pressure or the amount of blood in the body
What can make this more likely to happen?
You have a higher risk for apoplexy if you are older, especially over age 55. Men have a higher risk. So do people who are African-American, Hispanic, or Native American. Having problems like high blood pressure or high blood sugar raises your risk. So does high cholesterol or a family history of stroke. Other serious diseases like cancer or autoimmune diseases can too. People who are heavy, smoke, drink alcohol, or use illicit drugs raise their risk. Many other things can raise your risk as well. ‚
What are the main signs?
The signs depend on what organ is affected. If your brain is affected, you may have: ‚
- Face, arm, or leg is numb or weak
- Problems taking in food or talking with others
- Headache
- Loss of balance or being dizzy
- Trouble seeing
- Falls or trouble walking
- Confusion or not being alert
- Tiredness
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- CT or MRI scan
- Ultrasound
- Angiogram ¢ ˆ ’X-ray test with dye to check blood flow
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Care is based on what organ is affected. It also depends on how bad the damage is to the organ. You may need: ‚
- Drugs
- Surgery to fix torn blood vessels or to stop bleeding
- Treatments to open blocked blood vessels
- Rehab to help you function better. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Any health problems that put you at high risk for a stroke should be treated. Some of these problems are high blood pressure and high blood sugar. A heart rate that is not normal or being overweight also raises your risk. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Help with blood clotting or bleeding problems
- Change hormone levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Help with blood sugar
- Help with any other signs
What problems could happen?
Problems will depend on where the apoplexy is. A brain apoplexy may cause problems with: ‚
- Speech and memory
- Paralysis or weakness to your body or one side of your body
- Bladder and bowel problems
- Swallowing and eating
- Changes in your behavior or judgment
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and exercise.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid fried foods. Limit your salt intake.
- Take care of any high blood pressure problems. Take any drugs that the doctor orders.
- Do not smoke.
- Work to control your blood sugar if you have high blood sugar.
- If you have sleep apnea, get treatment for it.
- Work with your doctor to take care of any clotting or bleeding problems.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Problems taking your drugs
- Sores or redness on your skin
- Trouble moving your bowels or emptying your bladder
- Any new signs or concerns
- Trouble with your care at home that you need help with
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/detail_stroke.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚