Symptoms:

Causes

Gout is caused initially by an excess of uric acid in the blood, or hyperuricemia. Uric acid is produced in the body during the breakdown of purines – chemical compounds that are found in high amounts in certain foods such as meat, poultry, and seafood.

Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood and is excreted from the body in urine via the kidneys. If too much uric acid is produced, or not enough is excreted, it can build up and form needle-like crystals that trigger inflammation and pain in the joints and surrounding tissue.

Symptoms

Gout usually becomes symptomatic suddenly without warning, often in the middle of the night.

The main symptoms are intense joint pain that subsides to discomfort, inflammation, and redness.

Gout frequently affects the large joint of the big toe, but can also affect the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers.

TYPES

There are various stages through which gout progresses, and these are experienced as the different types of gout.

Asymptomatic hyperuricemia

It is possible for a person to have elevated uric acid levels without any outward symptoms. At this stage, treatment is not required, though urate crystals are being deposited in tissue and causing slight damage.

People with asymptomatic hyperuricemia may be advised to take steps to address any possible factors contributing to uric acid build-up.

Acute gout

This stage occurs when the urate crystals that have been deposited suddenly cause acute inflammation and intense pain. This sudden attack is referred to as a “flare” and will normally subside within 3 to 10 days. Flares can sometimes be triggered by stressful events, alcohol and drugs, as well as cold weather.

Interval or intercritical gout

This stage is the period in between attacks of acute gout. Subsequent flares may not occur for months or years, though if not treated, over time, they can last longer and occur more frequently. During this interval, further urate crystals are being deposited in tissue.

Chronic tophaceous gout

Chronic tophaceous gout is the most debilitating type of gout. Permanent damage may have occurred in the joints and the kidneys. The patient can suffer from chronic arthritis and develop tophi, big lumps of urate crystals, in cooler areas of the body such as the joints of the fingers.

It takes a long time without treatment to reach the stage of chronic tophaceous gout – around 10 years. It is very unlikely that a patient receiving proper treatment would progress to this stage.

Pseudogout

One condition that is easily confused with gout is pseudogout. The symptoms of pseudogout are very similar to those of gout.

The major difference between gout and pseudogout is that the joints are irritated by calciumphosphate crystals rather than urate crystals. Pseudogout requires different treatment to gout.

Treatment

Gout patients often have acute inflammation around their joints.

The majority of gout cases are treated with medication. Medication can be used to treat the symptoms of gout attacks, prevent future flares, and reduce the risk of gout complications such as kidney stones

Treatments:

In many cases, your doctor may simply observe a suspicious lung nodule with multiple chest X-rays over several years. However, your doctor may suggest a biopsy or removal of an entire nodule in situations like these:

• You are a smoker and the nodule is large.
• You have symptoms.
• A scan suggests the nodule might be cancerous.
• The nodule has grown.

Surgery can often be done with small incisions and a short hospital stay. If your nodule is benign, you will not need any further treatment, except to manage any underlying problems or complications related to the nodule such as pneumonia or an obstruction.

If you need invasive surgery to remove a tumor, your doctor may recommend one or more tests beforehand to ensure your health. These might include blood tests or kidney, liver, or pulmonary (lung) function tests.

Breast cancer(DCIS) is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop.

Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor.

Causes:

Diagnosing DCIS usually involves a combination of procedures:

• Physical examination of the breasts: Your doctor may be able to feel a small lump in the breast during a physical examination, although a noticeable lump is rare with DCIS. In cases when DCIS cannot be felt during a physical exam, it can often be detected using mammography.
• Mammography: DCIS is usually found by mammography. As old cancer cells die off and pile up, tiny specks of calcium (called “calcifications” or “microcalcifications”) form within the broken-down cells. The mammogram will show the cancer cells inside the ducts as a cluster of these microcalcifications, which appear either as white specks or as a shadow.
• Biopsy: If you do have a suspicious mammogram, your doctor will probably want you to have a biopsy. There are two ways to get a biopsy done with only a little bit of surgery (more invasive biopsies are rarely needed for DCIS):
  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy: A very small, hollow needle is inserted into the breast. A sample of cells is removed and examined under the microscope. This method leaves no scars.
  • Core needle biopsy: A larger needle is inserted to remove several bigger samples of tissue from the area that looks suspicious. In order to get the core needle through the skin, the surgeon must make a tiny incision. This leaves a very tiny scar that is barely visible after a few weeks.

  If a needle biopsy is not able to remove cells or tissue, or it does not give definite results (inconclusive), a more involved biopsy may be necessary. These biopsies are more like regular surgery than needle biopsies:

  • Incisional biopsy: Incisional biopsy removes a small piece of tissue for examination.
  • Excisional biopsy: Excisional biopsy attempts to remove the entire suspicious lump of tissue from the breast.

Biopsies are done only to make the diagnosis. If DCIS is diagnosed, more surgery is needed to ensure all of the cancer is removed along with “clear margins,” which means that a border of healthy tissue around the cancer is also removed. Usually this means having lumpectomy, or in some cases (a large area of DCIS, for example), mastectomy.

After the biopsy, the pathologist analyzes the piece of breast tissue and reports back on the:

• type and grade of the DCIS: how abnormal the cells look when compared with normal breast cells, and how fast they are growing
• hormone-receptor status: Whether or not the cancer cells have receptors (proteins in a cell that receive messages from hormones) for the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. If estrogen and/or progesterone receptors are present, this means that the cancer cells’ growth is fueled by these hormones.

Type and grade of DCIS

All DCIS is considered stage 0 breast cancer — the earliest stage possible. “Stage” describes how far the cancer has spread beyond the site of the original tumor. Even though DCIS is always considered stage 0, it can be any size and be located in any number of areas inside the breast.

Knowing the type and grade of DCIS can help you and your doctor decide on the best treatment for you.

When a pathologist looks at the tissue removed during the biopsy, he or she determines whether or not any abnormal cells are present. If abnormal cells are present, the pathologist will note how different the cells look compared with normal, healthy breast cells. The image shows the range of possible findings, from normal cells all the way to invasive ductal cancer.

Breast cancer: Stages

• Normal cells
• Ductal hyperplasia or “overgrowth” means that too many cells are present.
• Atypical ductal hyperplasia means that there are too many cells (hyperplasia) and they are starting to take on an abnormal appearance (atypical or “not typical”).
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) means that there are too many cells and they have the features of cancer, but they are still confined to the inside of the duct. (DCIS is stage 0 breast cancer.)
• DCIS-MI (DCIS with microinvasion) means that a few of the cancer cells have started to break through the wall of the duct. DCIS-MI is stage I breast cancer.
• Invasive ductal cancer (IDC) means that the cancer cells have broken beyond the breast duct. The breast cancer is no longer a DCIS but an invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer. IDC can be diagnosed at any stage from I-IV.

Symptoms:

DCIS generally has no signs or symptoms. A small number of people may have a lump in the breast or some discharge coming out of the nipple. About 80% of DCIS cases are found by mammography.

Treatments:

• Lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy: This is the most common treatment for DCIS. Lumpectomy is sometimes called breast-conserving treatment because most of the breast is saved.
• Mastectomy: Mastectomy, or removal of the breast, is recommended in some cases.
• Lumpectomy alone(radiation therapy)
• Hormonal therapy after surgery: These treatments, which block or lower the amount of estrogen in the body, are typically used if the DCIS tests positive for hormone receptors.

Chemotherapy, a form of treatment that sends anti-cancer medications throughout the body, is generally not needed for DCIS. DCIS is non-invasive and remains within the breast duct, so there is no need to treat cancer cells that might have traveled to other areas of the body.

Epilepsy

The major sign in this condition is the occurrence of seizures which happen when our brain cells that communicate through electric impulses start sending out the wrong signals. These seizures can last anywhere from several seconds to a few minutes. Having just one seizure does not mean you have epilepsy. Generally, the occurrence of several seizures are a clear indication of epilepsy.

Epilepsy and Ayurveda

Epilepsy is called Apasmara (Apa = loss, smara = memory, intelligence and/or consciousness). Akshepaka is a disease that is characterized by convulsions. In Ayurveda, the convulsions are caused due to an imbalance of the Vata dosha. The loss of consciousness in terms of doshic influence can be attributed to Pitta dosha. When one loses consciousness soon after seeing the colors red, blue and black and also recovers quickly, this is considered as a sign of Vata disturbance. Similarly, Pitta disturbances happen due to seeing the colors light or dark red or yellow and recovering with heavy sweating.

Convulsions in Apasmara are followed by losing consciousness and frothing at the mouth. Due to its cardinal sign of loss of consciousness or memory, epilepsy or epileptic attacks are commonly known as the ‘falling disease’ or ‘fits.’ It is a serious disorder of the central nervous system that affects both children and adults alike.

Depending on the dominance of the three doshas and their combined effect, it is classified into four types.

A fifth type, called Yoshapasmara, which is more prevalent among women. Yoshapasmara is another type of epileptic seizure elaborated in our texts and finds relevance in the condition of hysteria. Many a times, it is ignored as a tendency or hereditary factor. This has grave impact on the growth and well-being of the female suffering and the people associated with her. But on a positive note, it is treatable and can bring about a great change in the person afflicted by this.

Types of Epileptic Seizures

Seizures are classified in two main categories:
1. Partial seizures involve a part of the brain. They can be:

• Simple partial seizures. Symptoms may include involuntary twitching of the muscles or arms and legs; changes in vision; vertigo; and having unusual tastes or smells.
  The person does not lose consciousness.
• Complex partial seizures. Symptoms may be like those of partial seizures, but the person does lose awareness for a time. The person may do things over and over, like walking in a circle, rubbing the hands together, or staring into space.

2. Generalized seizures involve much more or all of the brain. They can be:

• Absence seizures (petit mal). Symptoms may include staring and brief loss of consciousness.
• Myoclonic seizures. Symptoms may include jerking or twitching of the limbs on both sides of the body.
• Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal). Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, shaking or jerking of the body, and loss of bladder control. The person may experience an aura or an unusual feeling before the seizure starts. These seizures can last from 5 to 20 minutes.

Causes of Epilepsy

According to Ayurveda, the causes of epilepsy could be kama (passion), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (temptation), harsha (ectasy), soka (grief) chinta (worry), udvega (anxiety), etc.
Today, we can largely group the causes as:

• Hereditary influences
• Serious shock or injury to brain or nervous system
• Diseases like meningitis and typhoid
• Allergic reaction to certain food substances
• Circulatory disorders like a stroke or a heart attack
• Fevers
• Drug abuse or overuse: Chronic alcoholism, Lead poisoning, Use of hallucinogens and stimulants like cocaine, Antidepressants or sleep aids like benzodiazepines and barbiturates
• Mental conflict: Long term grief, passion or anger, Subconscious fear or hatred
• Deficient mineral assimilation like inadequate hemoglobin or essential minerals like magnesium
• Consumption of junk/processed foods and absence of a regularized lifestyle habit for those with epileptic tendencies

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Presymptomatic phase

• Involuntary twitching of eyebrows and rapid deviating movements of the eyes
• Drooling
• Rigidity of the muscles
• Fatigue
• Feeling of spasms or congestion in the heart
• Disinterest in food
• Hallucination or hearing sounds or voices
• Body ache

Symptomatic phase

• In case of petit mal, there is momentary loss of consciousness with no convulsions except a slight rigidity. In this case, the attack stops within a few seconds.
• Grand mal, on the other hand, has a more pronounced effect. Violent convulsions accompanied by a sudden loss of consciousness, twitching of the muscles, biting of the tongue, distorted fixation of limbs, rotation of the head and deviation of the eyes continues for much longer.
• Mild or vigorous shaking of arms and legs
• Head retraction to one side
• Constriction of fingers
• Accidental urination
• Making sounds like whimpering or crying
• Vomiting which could be frothing around the mouth or emesis of stomach contents
• Loss of consciousness or blacking out

Seizure First Aid: What to Do During

• Firstly, it is necessary to understand that thinking someone may swallow their tongue during a seizure is nothing but a common myth.
• One must avoid putting anything in the mouth of the patient during an attack.
• Do not try to restrain the person in any way. If possible, remove the individual’s eyeglasses, tie, and/or scarf.
• Turn the person to their side. This can help saliva flow out of the mouth by clearing the airways.
• Do not try to feed food or drink to the person at the time or soon after. This could cause choking.

Effects of Epilepsy on Everyday Life

Living with epilepsy can be tough and cause the sufferer many social problems. A person suffering from such a condition usually also gets attacks of depression, withdrawal from society, loss of health due to abnormal eating habits among other things.

Those with well-controlled seizures have a different set of issues as those experienced by people with poorly controlled seizures. It is a fact that having epileptic seizures can indeed affect the lifestyle of the sufferer. For example, young people striving towards academic goals, getting a driver’s license, seeking employment and travelling can all become challenging.

Top among epilepsy management tips can be to practice meditation and other relaxation techniques. Yoga and pranayama along with meditation can have a healing effect on brain chemistry by countering the effects of stress which often disturb electrical activities in the brain.

It is important to develop a seizure management plan which needs to be shared with friends, family and other pertinent people so they know what to do. Learning about your condition can give you confidence. Read about it as much as possible, join support groups and maintain a journal of personal triggers so you can safety proof yourself.

Seizure Precautions List

If you have epilepsy, the risk for accidents and sustaining injuries tends to become higher. During an epileptic seizure, it is quite possible that you can’t control where you fall or have jerky muscle movements where you hit against something. This situation is potentially dangerous as you can get physically injured in the form of cuts, bruises, burns, etc.
Here are a few things you can do to stay safe at home.

• Cushion your falls with padding on the floor like soft carpeting, cork and rubber flooring.
• Use home linen like carpets, covers and curtains with natural wool or other natural fibers as synthetic material can cause friction burns.
• Cover sharp edges, keep obstacles out of the way and use wire organizers to avoid tripping over them.
• Use toughened safety glass or double glazing as far as possible.
• Electric cookers can be safer than gas burners as there will be no open flame. Also, cooking on the back burner is safer as you are less likely to lean into the direct flame.
• Use cordless electrical devices as far as possible.
• Opt for a low bed so that you don’t fall from height, if at all.

Some tips for staying safe outside

• When outside your home, it is a good idea to carry a card or wear medical jewelry that signifies your condition so it is easier to get help.
• States do have restrictions on driving if you suffer from epilepsy. Know the laws where you live, It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• If you like to go swimming or indulge in other sports, use a buddy system. It is ideal that this person is aware of how to handle a seizure situation if it arises.
• If it’s possible, sit down in the shower rather than stand to avoid injuries.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Epilepsy

A doctor consultation is a must for diagnosing and treating epilepsy effectively. Medication, counseling and lifestyle go hand in hand to have a complete therapeutic experience. The good news is that there is a cure for epilepsy in Ayurveda – at least, it be managed to a large extent of being able to lead a completely normal life.

• Counselling: Assurance and guidance helps overcome the depression and anxiety and may also enhance the effects of the medications.
• Panchakarma: Strong detoxification procedures are highly recommended in such cases. The type of purification method chosen to restore the brain’s activity to normal would depend on the specific dosha that is vitiated.
  Vata dosha: In this case, the body is cleansed using enema (basti) to balance Vata dosha. This dosha gets aggravated due to stress, lack of sleep and acute mental exertion. Constipation and problems of the GI tract can also bring about this type of epilepsy. Vata is calmed with the help of medicated oil massage (abhyanga) as well as by pouring a stream of oil on the head (shirodhara) which can calm the mind. Herbs like shankhapushpi, ashwagandha and brahmi are used to normalize brain activity.
  Pitta dosha: The aggravation of this dosha is corrected by purgation (virechana). This dosha is usually disturbed due to high heat. The possible causes of epilepsy due to Pitta dosha could be diseases like encephalitis and inflammation of the head.
  Kapha dosha: Toxins are removed from the system by inducing vomiting (vamana). This is often due to a blockage of the nervous system. One of the primary signs of Kaphic epilepsy can be the excessive secretion of saliva. It could be set off by a sedentary or inactive lifestyle. Tulsi and calamus root are commonly used to treat Kapha type epilepsy.
• Rejuvenation and revitalization through Rasayana therapy reduces the recurrence of attacks and promotes complete mind and body coordination for a fruitful life. The Ayurvedic epilepsy natural treatment are Panchayagavya Ghrita, Mahapanchagavya Ghrita, Vachadhya Ghrita along with the various herbs given below.

Adenocarcinoma of the lung is a type of non-small cell lung cancer. It occurs when abnormal lung cells multiply out of control and form a tumor. Eventually, tumor cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body including the

• lymph nodes around and between the lungs
• liver
• bones
• adrenal glands
• brain.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of lung cancer. It’s generally found in smokers. However, it is the most common type of lung cancer in nonsmokers. It is also the most common form of lung cancer in women and people younger than 45.Compared with other types of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma is more likely to be contained in one area. If it is truly localized, it may respond to treatment better than other lung cancers.

As with other forms of lung cancer, your risk of adenocarcinoma increases if you

• Smoke.
• Breathe tobacco smoke.
• Are exposed to radon gas.
• Are exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral used in insulation, fireproofing materials, floor and ceiling tiles, automobile brake linings, and other products.
• Are exposed to other cancer-causing agents at work. These include uranium, arsenic, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, and diesel exhaust.

Symptoms

Many people with adenocarcinoma of the lung or other types of lung have no symptoms. It may be detected on chest x-ray or CT scan that is performed for screening or some other medical reason.

All lung cancers, including adenocarcinoma, have similar symptoms. They include

• a cough that doesn’t go away
• coughing up blood or mucus
• wheezing
• shortness of breath
• trouble breathing
• chest pain
• fever
• discomfort when swallowing
• hoarseness
• weight loss
• poor appetite.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage as well as the patient’s condition, lung function, and other factors. (Some patients may have other lung conditions, such as emphysema or COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.) If the cancer has not spread, surgery is usually the treatment of choice. There are three types of surgery:

• Wedge resection removes only a small part of the lung.
• Lobectomy removes one lobe of the lung.
• Pneumonectomy removes an entire lung.

Lymph nodes are also removed and examined to see if the cancer has spread.

Some surgeons use video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) to remove small, early-stage tumors, especially if the tumors are near the outer edge of the lung. (VATS can also be used to diagnose lung cancer.) Because the incisions for VATS are small, this technique is less invasive than a traditional “open” procedure.

Because surgery will remove part or all of a lung, breathing may be more difficult afterwards, especially in patients with other lung conditions (emphysema, for example). Doctors can test lung function prior to surgery and predict how it might be affected by surgery.

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

Causes:

Both long-term sun exposure over your lifetime and occasional extended, intense exposure (typically leading to sunburn) combine to cause damage that can lead to BCC. Almost all BCCs occur on parts of the body excessively exposed to the sun — especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. On rare occasions, however, tumors develop on unexposed areas. In a few cases, contact with arsenic, exposure to radiation, open sores that resist healing, chronic inflammatory skin conditions, and complications of burns, scars, infections, vaccinations, or even tattoos are contributing factors. It is not possible to pinpoint a precise, single cause for a specific tumor, especially one found on a sun-protected area of the body or in an extremely young individual.

Dermatologists report that more and more people in their twenties and thirties are being treated for this skin cancer.

Workers in occupations that require long hours outdoors and people who spend their leisure time in the sun are particularly susceptible.

Treatments:

After the physician’s examination, the diagnosis of BCC is confirmed with a biopsy. In this procedure, the skin is first numbed with local anesthesia. A sample of the tissue is then removed and sent to be examined under a microscope in the laboratory to seek a definitive diagnosis. If tumor cells are present, treatment is required. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for eliminating BCC. Choice of treatment is based on the type, size, location, and depth of penetration of the tumor, the patient’s age and general health, and the likely outcome to his or her appearance.

Treatment can almost always be performed on an outpatient basis at Hospital.

Treatment options are below.

• Mohs Micrographic surgery
• Cryosurgery
• Laser Surgery
• Curettage electrodessication
• Excisional surgery
• Photodynamic Therapy(PDT)
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy

Muscle spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle that can cause a great deal of pain. When the facet joints of the spine become injured or inflamed, the muscles supporting the spine can spasm causing low back pain and limitation in motion.

Muscle spasm is typically treated conservatively with muscle relaxants and exercise therapy. Muscle relaxants inhibit painful contractions by sedating the muscle, while exercise stretches the muscles so they are less likely to strain, tear or spasm.

Applying heat therapy using a heat pad may also help relax muscle spasms

Symptoms

Most muscle cramps develop in the leg muscles, particularly in the calf. Besides the sudden, sharp pain, you might also feel or see a hard lump of muscle tissue beneath your skin.

• Cause severe discomfort
• Are associated with leg swelling, redness or skin changes
• Are associated with muscle weakness
• Happen frequently
• Don’t improve with self-care
• Aren’t associated with an obvious cause, such as strenuous exercise

 

Causes

Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In many cases, however, the cause isn’t known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as:

• Inadequate blood supply. Narrowing of the arteries that deliver blood to your legs (arteriosclerosis of the extremities) can produce cramp-like pain in your legs and feet while you’re exercising. These cramps usually go away soon after you stop exercising.
• Nerve compression. Compression of nerves in your spine (lumbar stenosis) also can produce cramp-like pain in your legs. The pain usually worsens the longer you walk. Walking in a slightly flexed position — such as you would use when pushing a shopping cart ahead of you — may improve or delay the onset of your symptoms.
• Mineral depletion. Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in your diet can contribute to leg cramps. Diuretics — medications often prescribed for high blood pressure — also can deplete these minerals.

How are muscle spasms treated?

First, stop doing whatever triggered the muscle spasm then:

• Gently stretch and massage the spasmodic muscle.
• Hold it in a stretched position until the spasms stop.
• Apply cold to sore/tender muscles or heat to tense/tight muscles.

If the muscle spasm is severe, happens frequently, responds poorly to treatment, and is not related to obvious causes, make an appointment with your doctor. The spasms could be related to underlying factors.

Risk factors

Factors that might increase your risk of muscle cramps include:

• Age. Older people lose muscle mass, so the remaining muscle can get overstressed more easily.
• Dehydration. Athletes who become fatigued and dehydrated while participating in warm-weather sports frequently develop muscle cramps.
• Pregnancy. Muscle cramps also are common during pregnancy.
• Medical conditions. You might be at higher risk of muscle cramps if you have diabetes, or nerve, liver or thyroid disorders.

An ischemic stroke occurs when an artery carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. There are two types of ischemic strokes:

• Thrombotic strokes are caused by a blood clot (thrombus) in an artery going to the brain, blocking blood flow. Blood clots usually form in arteries damaged by plaque, a fatty material that can build up inside blood vessels.
• Embolic strokes are caused by a traveling clot (embolus) that forms elsewhere (usually in the heart or neck arteries); it’s carried in the bloodstream and blocks a smaller blood vessel in or leading to the brain.

Within minutes of the brain being deprived of oxygen-rich blood, brain cells start to die. Left untreated, an ischemic stroke can cause serious disability including paralysis, difficulty talking or swallowing, and memory loss. It can also cause death.

That’s why a stroke is a true medical emergency, and fast treatment is essential to minimize brain damage and possible complications.

How mechanical Thrombectomy(Clot retrieval) works:

When a stroke patient arrives for treatment, the clot-busting medication called tPA is usually delivered directly to the site of the clot. After administering tPA, our stroke specialists use advanced neuro-imaging to evaluate the patient’s brain.

If tPa alone doesn’t dissolve the clot and restore blood flow, and the patient is a good candidate for mechanical thrombectomy, here’s what happens:

• Using x-ray-guided imaging, a catheter (a long, thin flexible tube) is threaded into an artery in the groin (the femoral artery) and up through the neck, until it reaches the blood clot causing the stroke
• A device called a stent retriever is inserted into the catheter to the site of the blood clot
• The stent reaches past the clot, expands to stretch the walls of the artery so blood can flow, and retrieves the clot by snaring it and pulling it backwards, completely removing it from the body and restoring blood flow

Who are the candidate of mechanical Thrombectomy:

Mechanical thrombectomy is performed in patients who have what’s called large-vessel occlusion. This means a blood clot is blocking (occluding) one of the large blood vessels—such as the carotid arteries or cerebral arteries—that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

We also use advanced imaging to map which areas of the brain have an adequate blood supply. This enables us to see tissue that’s already damaged and tissue we can save by restoring blood flow. This gives us a realistic picture of how much we can help each patient by performing mechanical thrombectomy.