The loss of blood flow causestissue death, leading to serious and potentially permanent brain injury.
However, an MCA stroke can also be resulting from a ruptured artery.
This is known as ahemorrhagic stroke.
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This article takes a closer look at the MCA as well as the symptoms and causes of MCA strokes.
It also explains how MCA strokes are diagnosed and treated and what to expect during rehabilitation.
What Is the Middle Cerebral Artery?
Thearteriesin your brain come in symmetrical pairs.
Each one has a left and right artery.
The MCAs are vital blood vessels that branch off from the internal carotid arteries.
The internal carotid arteries are branches of thecommon carotid arteries.
Those are large blood vessels in your neck.
The MCA is the largest branch of the internal carotid arteries.
It can be involved in large strokes.
What Does the MCA Do?
That section is called the territory of that artery.
MCA Stroke Symptoms
MCA strokes are the most common bang out.
Thus, a stroke in the right MCA causes symptoms on the left side of the body.
Causes
The MCA is a large blood vessel.
Large-vessel strokes affect more of the brain than strokes in small vessels.
If the MCA itself is blocked, the result is a large-vessel stroke that affects its entire territory.
If only a small branch of the MCA is blocked, it causes a small-vessel stroke.
This impacts a small section of the MCAs territory and is often less serious.
MCA strokes are generally brought on by a blood clot that travels from outside the brain.
Typically, its from the heart or carotid artery.
Then the clot gets lodged in the MCA and blocks blood flow.
This is called anembolic stroke.
Even so, your healthcare provider will likely use multiple labs and tests to confirm the diagnosis.
These may include:
Other tests and imaging may be performed depending on your symptoms.
It may involve physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Summary
Blocks or ruptures in the MCA lead to MCA strokes.
Treatment includes blood thinners, surgery to relieve pressure, and management of several vital signs.
Recovery may involve multiple types of therapy, depending on the symptoms.
Long-term recovery and rehabilitation may take months or even years.
However, a good recovery is possible even from very serious strokes.
Most people who have an MCA stroke are able to regain some function.
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