Stroke, also called a brain attack, occurs as a result of restricted blood flow to the brain. Often caused by the formation of blood clots, ruptured blood vessels or the buildup of plaque---a sticky substance made of cholesterol, fat, calcium and minerals---in blood vessels, strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States, as reported by the National Stroke Association. Depending on the cause of the stroke, several types of treatments are available to help prevent another stroke from occurring.
Carotid Endarterectomy
The carotid arteries run up through the neck to supply blood to the brain. As people age, the buildup of plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis, causes the carotid artery to become blocked. The presence of the plaque also attracts platelets to the area, which can lead to the formation of a blood clot. This condition increases the risk of stroke in two ways; through restricted blood flow from the narrowing artery and by a blood clot, which can become lodged in the vessels of the brain.
During a carotid endarterectomy, the surgeon makes an incision in the carotid artery to remove the plaque using a dissecting tool, says the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Once the plaque is removed, the artery is widened and subsequently repaired.
Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting
For those unable to undergo surgery, an alternative treatment to widen the carotid artery exists. Carotid angioplasty and stenting utilizes a balloon to open the artery and a mesh tube to help keep it open. First, the surgeon inserts a balloon-tipped catheter into the carotid artery through to the site of blockage. He then inflates the balloon to press against the plaque and widen the artery. The surgeon inserts a tube made of metal-mesh to hold the artery open and prevent it from collapsing after the procedure.
Cerebral Aneurysm Surgery
A stroke due to a ruptured blood vessel is known as an aneurysm. An aneurysm occurs where the blood vessel in the brain is weak and is often caused by a congenital defect, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or a head injury. If an aneurysm--visible as a bulge in the vessel wall--is detected prior to rupturing, performing a cerebral aneurysm surgery can prevent a stroke. During this surgery, surgeons clip the portion of the bulging vessel, allowing it to deflate.
Endovascular Therapy
Patients with an aneurysm can also undergo endovascular therapy. Endovascular therapy utilizes tiny catheters to insert coils into the enlarged portion of the blood vessel. The coils close up the aneurysm from inside the blood vessel, as described by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
