Symptoms of Stroke

Possible Stroke Symptoms

• Sudden weakness
• Facial drooping
• Speech difficulties
• Vision changes
• Loss of balance

Possible TIA Symptoms

• Temporary weakness
• Temporary speech problems
• Brief vision loss

Causes and Risk Factors

The best way to treat a stroke is to prevent stroke. Many strokes are associated with underlying vascular and medical conditions that can be identified and managed before symptoms develop. A comprehensive assessment allows specialists to evaluate risk factors, identify potential concerns and develop a personalised prevention strategy.

Well Known Risk Factors

• High blood pressure
• Poory controlled diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Atrial fibrillation
• Carotid artery disease
• Previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Family history of stroke
• Unhealthy lifestyle with lack of physical activity

Stroke Prevention Strategies

Depending on individual risk factors, recommendations may include:

• Blood pressure optimisation
• Cholesterol management
• Diabetes control
• Smoking cessation
• Dietary and lifestyle modifications
• Exercise programmes
• Medication management
• Ongoing vascular monitoring

How Strokes Are Diagnosed?

A neurointervention specialist takes a C.T. scan or M.R.I. of the brain to help identify the location and extent of the bleeding in strokes. They may also perform blood tests to look for abnormal clotting, and a lumbar puncture helps rule out bleeding in the spinal fluid. Your stroke doctor may perform an electrocardiogram (E.C.G.) to identify heart problems that could increase the risk of stroke.

Stroke Screening Process

Stroke screening involves performing a thorough physical examination. It also helps rule out risk factors such as age, family history, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, and diabetes.

• A diagnostic test is conducted to detect the presence of any blood clots, blockages, or abnormalities in the brain using a C.T. scan and M.R.I.
• A specialist interprets the diagnostic test results to determine stroke damage and the best course of treatment.
• The appropriate course of treatment is prescribed based on the diagnostics and interpretation. Follow-up care is essential to help patients recover fully or prevent the occurrence of another stroke.
• In some cases, cerebral angiography may be performed, providing highly detailed information about blood vessel structure and blood flow.

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore offers comprehensive stroke screening. 

Stroke Treatment Options

Advanced Stroke Treatment Options

While prevention remains the most effective strategy for reducing stroke-related disability, some patients may require urgent treatment when a stroke occurs. Stroke treatment involves medical management along with control of risk factors to prevent future stroke. Interventional treatments are often required to treat and prevent stroke in patients. One of the most recent and well established interventional treatment for acute stroke since 2015 is to remove clot from the brain causing acute stroke in some of these suitable category of patients.

Modern stroke care includes both medical management and advanced minimally invasive procedures designed to restore blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of long-term neurological injury.

Mechanical Thrombectomy

While prevention remains the most effective way to reduce stroke risk, some patients require urgent intervention when a stroke occurs. Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove blood clots from blocked brain arteries during selected acute ischaemic strokes.

Using advanced catheter-based technology, specialists can restore blood flow to affected areas of the brain and potentially reduce long-term neurological injury.

Discover how clot retrieval procedures are performed and when they may be considered as part of acute stroke treatment.

Carotid Stenting

Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure used to treat selected patients with narrowing of the carotid arteries, the major blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

Carotid artery narrowing, also known as carotid artery stenosis, is commonly caused by the build-up of fatty deposits called plaque within the artery. Significant narrowing can reduce blood flow to the brain and may increase the risk of stroke.

Intracranial Stenting

Intracranial stenting is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure used to treat selected patients with significant narrowing of an artery within the brain.

Intracranial artery narrowing, also known as intracranial arterial stenosis, can reduce blood flow to the brain and may increase the risk of transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) or ischaemic stroke.

Learn more about stroke treatment options:

A Comprehensive Approach to Stroke Care

At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore, stroke care extends beyond treating an event after it occurs. The focus includes:

Prevention

Identifying and managing stroke risk factors before complications develop.

Diagnosis

Using advanced imaging and vascular assessment to understand underlying causes.

Treatment

Providing access to modern neurovascular and endovascular treatment options when appropriate.

Long-Term Care

Supporting ongoing risk reduction and prevention of future strokes through continued monitoring and management.

Frequently Asked Questions