Apoplexy is a medical term for a sudden loss of blood flow or bleeding in the brain, leading to serious damage to the brain cells and impairment of various bodily functions. Apoplexy has two types: stroke and pituitary apoplexy.
A stroke is the most common form of apoplexy, affecting millions of people every year. During a stroke, oxygen and nutrients are deprived from the brain when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke). In addition to symptoms that depend on where and how severe the damage is, strokes may also cause:
Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, face, or limbs
Numbness or tingling on one side of the body, face, or limbs
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Vision problems or blindness in one or both eyes
Dizziness, nausea, or loss of balance
Difficulty swallowing or drooling
Confusion, memory loss, or cognitive impairment
Severe headache, sometimes with vomiting
Loss of consciousness or coma
Strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. The sooner they are treated, the better the chances of recovery and preventing permanent disability. Treatment for strokes may include:
Medications to dissolve or prevent blood clots, reduce blood pressure, or control bleeding
Surgery to remove the clot or repair the ruptured vessel, or to relieve the pressure on the brain
Rehabilitation to restore the lost or impaired functions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or psychological counseling
The prevention of a stroke involves reducing the risk factors that can contribute to a stroke, such as:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Excessive alcohol consumption
Atrial fibrillation or other heart conditions
Family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease
Age, gender, or ethnicity
In order to reduce some of these risk factors, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress. In addition to taking medications, undergoing surgery, or using devices to monitor or regulate heart rhythm, other risk factors may require medical intervention.
This form of apoplexy occurs when a benign tumor of the pituitary gland, known as a pituitary adenoma, either bleeds or grows rapidly, cutting off its own blood supply. The pituitary gland is a small organ at the base of the brain that produces hormones that regulate many bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, pituitary apoplexy may cause:
Severe headache, often behind the eyes
Vision problems or blindness, especially in the peripheral vision
Double vision or eye movement problems
Drooping eyelid or facial weakness
Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
Fever or low blood pressure
Loss of consciousness or coma
Pituitary apoplexy is also a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of pituitary apoplexy depends on the severity and cause of the condition, but may include:
Medications to replace the deficient hormones, such as corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, or sex hormones
Surgery to remove the tumor or reduce the pressure on the brain or optic nerves
Radiation therapy to shrink the tumor or prevent its recurrence
The prevention of pituitary apoplexy is not well established, as the exact causes of pituitary adenomas are unknown. However, some factors that may increase the risk of pituitary apoplexy are:
Head trauma or surgery
Anticoagulant therapy or blood thinners
Pregnancy or childbirth
Hormonal changes or fluctuations
Infection or inflammation
Genetic disorders or syndromes
Some of these risk factors can be avoided or minimized by following the doctor’s instructions, reporting any symptoms or changes, and undergoing regular check-ups and imaging tests.
A stroke or a pituitary tumor can cause apoplexy, a serious brain disorder that can result in various symptoms and complications. Apoplexy requires immediate medical attention and treatment, as well as long-term rehabilitation and follow-up. In order to prevent or reduce apoplexy, you need to identify and manage the risk factors, and you need to seek help if you notice any signs or symptoms.
