As a Pharm D student I came across a male patient who is 51 years old presented with chief complaints of upper limb weakness since 2 days and associated with drowsiness and admitted in the hospital for further evaluation and management.
The patient has a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Necessary investigations were and the patient was diagnosed with MCA(MIddle Cerebral Artery) infarct or MCA stroke. MCA stroke affects the middle cerebral artery of the brain. It is one of the biggest blood vessels in the brain and it works by supplying blood to parts of the brain that control senses, movement and use of language. MCA stroke occur when the middle cerebral artery is blocked by the blood clot. Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus are one of the risk factors for the MCA Stroke to occur.
After proper assessment the patient is treated with statins, anti-platelets,anti-epileptics, osmotic diuretics etc, to prevent stroke, brain swelling and other complications.
This case taught me that it is crucial to check for drug interactions, ensure medication safety and counsel patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle because MCA Infarct is a condition which requires careful patient centered management especially in elderly people with other health conditions.
Is a sudden Middle Cerebral Artery Infarct truly unexpected or the result of risk factors we failed to control in time?
MBH/PS