Ischämie & Streifung: Symptome, Definition & Pflege nach Hirnschlag

Ischaemia (also called ischaemic) refers to an insufficient blood supply to an organ or tissue. The word comes from Greek and literally means 'to hold back blood'. In ischaemia, the affected tissue receives too little oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to functional disorders and, if prolonged, to the death of cells.

In relation to the brain, this is called cerebral ischaemia. When a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a blood clot or severely narrowed, the affected brain areas no longer receive enough blood. The result is an ischaemic stroke (cerebral infarction), the most common form of stroke, accounting for around 85% of all strokes.

Ischaemia can have various causes: arteriosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels), blood clots (thrombi or emboli), cardiac arrhythmias (particularly atrial fibrillation), or severe narrowing of the carotid artery.

A TIA, medically known as a transient ischaemic attack, is a temporary circulatory disorder in the brain. In everyday language, it is often referred to as a 'mini-stroke'. The symptoms resemble those of a stroke but resolve completely within minutes to a maximum of 24 hours.

Although a TIA leaves no permanent damage, it is a serious warning sign: approximately 10-15% of those affected suffer a full stroke within 90 days of a TIA. Therefore, every TIA must be medically investigated and treated immediately — call emergency services (144) at the first sign of suspicion.

The causes of a TIA are the same as for an ischaemic stroke: a blood clot temporarily blocks a brain vessel. The difference is that in a TIA, the clot dissolves on its own before permanent brain damage occurs.

The symptoms of a TIA appear suddenly and can occur individually or in combination:

• Sudden visual disturbances: Temporary blindness in one eye, double vision, or restricted field of vision
• Speech disorders: Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech, slurred pronunciation
• One-sided paralysis: Weakness or numbness in an arm, leg, or one side of the face (drooping corner of the mouth)
• Dizziness and balance disorders: Sudden vertigo, unsteadiness when walking, or coordination problems
• Severe headache: Suddenly occurring, unusually intense headache
• Confusion: Loss of orientation, difficulty with simple tasks

After a stroke, rehabilitation begins as early as possible, often already in the stroke unit at the hospital. Depending on the severity of the consequences, aftercare covers various areas:

• Physiotherapy: Restoring mobility, strength, and balance. Training everyday movements such as walking, standing, and climbing stairs
• Occupational therapy: Relearning everyday activities such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene
• Speech therapy: Treatment of speech and swallowing disorders
• Neuropsychological therapy: Training memory, attention, and concentration

Many stroke patients continue to be cared for at home by family members after inpatient rehabilitation. This home care is a significant achievement that should be appropriately supported and compensated.

As a family caregiver, you are entitled to various benefits: from compensation for family caregiving to carer credits and Spitex support.