When a person experiences a stroke, the type of treatment he or she receives is largely dependent on what caused the stroke. So what happens when the cause is unknown?
Treatment following a stroke has dual purposes — it’s intended to limit the damage caused by the stroke and help prevent another stroke. Because of this, stroke patients undergo different types of testing to determine the cause of their stroke.
But in a fairly large number of cases, the stroke has no known cause, a type of stroke known as “cryptogenic stroke.” In fact, according to the American Heart Association (AHA)/American Stroke Association (ASA), as many as 30 percent of ischemic strokes are classified as cryptogenic.
James Fleming, MD a board-certified neurologist with UT Erlanger Neurology, offers answers to some questions about cryptogenic strokes.
Q: So, what exactly is a cryptogenic stroke?
A: In most cases, a stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks the normal flow of blood to the brain. Approximately 1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another stroke event, so it is important to rule out any known causes. Your neurologist may order a number of tests to look for a cause. In about a third of cases the stroke has no known cause, a type of stroke known as “cryptogenic stroke.”
Q: What are potential causes behind a cryptogenic stroke?
A: There are many different causes, including the heart valve infection known as endocarditis, structural abnormalities of the heart, blood clotting disorders, and the abnormal heart rhythm atrial fibrillation. These are discussed in more detail below.
Q: What types of testing are done to try and uncover the cause of a stroke?
A: We conduct a thorough workup to find the underlying cause. Typical testing includes an examination of your brain and blood vessels using CT or MRI. An ultrasound of the heart will likely be performed. Lab work includes checking cholesterol levels and checking for diabetes.
Your doctor may order blood tests to evaluate for infection, an echocardiogram to evaluate for structural abnormality, lab work to screen for clotting disorders, or long term heart monitoring to capture an abnormal heart rhythm. The abnormal heart rhythm atrial fibrillation is quite common, affecting nearly 3 million Americans. If a person has this condition, the upper chambers of the heart beat rapidly and irregularly and blood doesn’t pump efficiently to the rest of the body. Atrial fibrillation can go undetected because it often has no symptoms and may occur infrequently. Your doctor will determine if any of these more advanced tests are right for you.
When a stroke occurs, you need prompt, experienced care. Rest assured that if you or a loved one have a stroke, you can find that care at the Southeast Regional Stroke Center at Erlanger, the region’s only comprehensive stroke center.
Do you have experience with strokes caused by the moyamoya disease?
We appreciate you reaching out to us. For questions on a specific condition, we encourage you to contact our UT Erlanger Neurology team at 423-778-9001.
I had a stroke in 2017. All I can say is I am doing extremely well with a complete recovery. Quickly I was taken to Erlanger Hospital. As soon as I was pushed through the emergency room ENTRY DOOR the stroke team was accessing my situation. I thank God for Erlanger’ stroke team. Wish I could personally thank each team member! I also want to thank Erlanger for their great Cardiologist program doctors.
I had a serious stroke last Aug.and Drs.at Erlanger helped save my life ….I would not be here today had it not been for the care I received. I will be forever grateful for the care and live shown me there.God spared me and used these wonderful people to help and bless me. Thank you so very much and God bless you all in Jesus sweet precious name amen
I had a stroke in 2017. All I can say is I am doing extremely well with a complete recovery. Quickly I was taken to Erlanger Hospital. As soon as I was pushed through the emergency room ENTRY DOOR the stroke team was accessing my situation. I thank God for Erlanger’ stroke team. Wish I could personally thank each team member! I also want to thank Erlanger for their great Cardiologist program doctors.
I have been hAving stroke like episodes for a year and half now doctors keep telling me I am to young, and I’m experiencing anxiety attack on one side of my body now these do switch up sides occasionally but it is either always left or right never both. I am on meds for anxiety and have had attacks on and off my whole life but none like what they are saying is anxiety attacks. Now I am experiencing pain in joints and muscles, watching muscles spasm, having a hard time walking because foot pain and leg pain. Dizziness, cold all the time, now they hVe found white matter and h2 hypertyinsitys on my brain. Hoping I will get some answers this way because I have went to every one I’m on my heart meds and still have them yet they didn’t show up on a monitor for a week. So I’m guessing it is What’s in my brain causing issues I’m also having intense memory loss and weird cold feeling in my head. Any one that’s had a stroke ever had any symptoms like this with any of this. Sometime they get so bad that wake me out of my sleep and that’s how they started I dropped to my knees and told my husband I was having a heart attack this first time it happened. J/w if any of you stroke patients had any of this before a full on one? Or can white matter mean you had one? I am awaiting my neurologist app which is a few days away just curious about people who have experienced strokes had any input. I also have thyroid cysts/nodules lung nodules lover lesion hernia lost goes on
Hi Amber, if this is an emergency, please call 911. Otherwise, we are glad to hear that you have an upcoming appointment to address your concerns.