“We have state-of-the-art technology for the detection of stroke: transcranial duplex ultrasound, cerebral tomography and cerebral perfusion, brain MRI and angioresonance, as well as a modern digital subtraction angiograph. When a person suffers a cerebral infarction, every minute that passes two million neurons die, for this reason it is crucial to seek specialized help and act quickly ”, says Dr. Manuel Moquillaza, renowned endovascular neurologist at our clinic

What is a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)?

It is a neurological disease caused by the alteration of the cerebral blood vessels, both arterial and venous, leading to their rupture or obstruction. The most frequent cases are due to obstruction of the cerebral arteries, which we know as stroke, which represents 85% of all cerebrovascular accidents.

Which are the risk factors?

• There are non-modifiable risk factors such as age and sex. The older you are, the greater the risk of having a stroke. Males are at slightly higher risk
• Hypertensive and diabetic patients are at higher risk of having a stroke, as well as those who maintain sedentary habits, a poor diet or abuse the consumption of tobacco and alcohol

What are its symptoms?

Mainly, there are three symptoms: facial asymmetry (the drooping corner of the mouth), dysarthria (difficulty speaking words) and hemiparesis (decreased strength in the middle of the body). In second order we have: sudden vertigo (spinning sensation) and intense headache (headache).

At what age does a stroke usually occur?

Although older adults have a higher risk of suffering from ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease, there are cases of stroke in young people, such as Moya-Moya disease, vascular malformations and brain aneurysms.

Can a patient with COVID-19 suffer a stroke?

Yes. Of every 100 patients who suffer or have suffered COVID-19, two would have a stroke in the next 12 months.

Dr. Manuel Moquillaza
Endovascular Neurologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma