It is a disease that affects the blood vessels responsible for supplying blood to the brain. When the vessel is blocked by an embolism or thrombus, it is called an ischaemic stroke, and when the lesion is secondary to a rupture of the vessel, it is known as a haemorrhagic stroke.
In this case, it is produced in the midbrain or mesencephalus, which is the brain stem's upper structure.
There are factors that increase the risk of stroke: older age, family medical history, race or gender, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and heart disease.
Symptoms will vary depending on the area of the brain that is affected. It manifests with difficulty when looking upwards (vertical gaze paresis), diplopia (double vision), unsteadiness, drooping eyelid, enlarged pupil, and contralateral decreased strength.
Diagnosis is reached clinically, through the medical history and a physical examination. A CT-scan must be performed to complete the study.
Treatment for ischaemia should be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms to avoid sequelae and is considered a medical emergency. Medications will be administered to break up the thrombus or clot that is obstructing the blood vessel. In selected cases, endovascular treatment may be used to clear the blocked vessel from the inside. Patients with haemorrhage have a worse prognosis and may require surgical intervention.
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