UNEQUAL PUPIL SIZE STROKE SERIES

Even with partial paralysis, or loss of coordination, rats surviving a stroke can continue to have good quality of life with care provided by their owner. However it is possible for the pet rat to recover from a mild stroke. Because it can be difficult to determine the underlying cause of the stroke, rats having had a stroke are at greater risk of having the damage extend or having additional strokes. Prognosis will depend on the severity of the stroke, presenting clinical signs, the overall health of the rat, and diligent nursing care. It is important for the pet owner to remain calm, approach gently, and speak softly to their rat. Others may experience increased irritability with being handled or simply become lethargic. Some rats may attempt to reach their owner, or cling to their owner, for comfort and safety. Rats experiencing a stroke may become alarmed or surprised by the sudden lack of coordination, loss of mobility, and/or loss of sensation. Tumor blockage or bleeding from tumor into brain.Metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes, Cushing’s Syndrome, kidney disease, hypothyroidism).The risk factors for stroke development may include: Studies have also indicated that lesions have been noted in other areas of the brain such as the frontal and medial cortical areas and basal ganglia. In rats that have suffered a stroke, thrombosis and cerebral hemorrhages occur more often in the occipital area of the cortex and subcortex. Rupture of a blood vessel in the brain that leads to bleeding in the spaces surrounding brain cells.Compression of a blood vessel in the brain (e.g., caused by tumor or edema ).Embolism: a clot travels from another part of the body to the brain.Thrombosis: a clot forms in the blood vessel of the brain.

UNEQUAL PUPIL SIZE STROKE SERIES

A TIA or series of TIAs can increase and forebode the risk of impending stroke.Ī stroke is usually brought about by one of four of the following events: Transient ischemic attacks result from a brief period of inadequate perfusion in one of the brain’s arteries or branches. Death can result if the stroke severely affects the body’s vital organs.Ī sudden focal loss of neurologic function lasting a few minutes to one hour with complete recovery is referred to as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). As brain and nerve cells die in the affected area, those parts of the body controlled by those cells can and do suffer temporary or permanent loss of function. This blockage or disruption in the vessel results in damage or death to tissues and cells in that area of the brain it supplies. A stroke results when cerebral blood vessels bringing oxygen and nutrients (glucose) to the brain rupture or are blocked by a clot or other mass. The development of a stroke is often the result of other underlying vascular diseases. *Note: for additional information on recognizing various signs of pain or discomfort refer to: Signs of Pain In Rats. Blood from a hemorrhagic stroke can also cause irritation to and scarring of brain tissue which can lead to the development of seizures. This is because the damaged vessel may continue to leak blood which then acts as a space-occupying mass placing increased pressure on the brain. If the stroke is caused by bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke) the area affected can be greater. Clinical signs that come on more gradually tend to be caused by a thrombotic stroke. Clinical signs that come on suddenly and seem more severe may reflect an embolic stroke. Strokes caused by a blockage in a cerebral vessel (Ischemic stroke) typically affect just the area of the brain that the vessel would have perfused. There are two types of strokes: Ischemic and hemorrhagic. Change in behavior (e.g., irritability, or seeks attention).Unequal pupil size (pupil may be larger on the side of paralysis).Head tilt as seen with other signs of stroke (not to be confused with ear infection where this is the primary clinical sign).Difficulty sitting or standing on hind legs without leaning or falling to one side.Paralysis (often affecting only one side, but may affect both sides in brain stem strokes).Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing has to work hard to move food to back of mouth with tongue).Abnormal sensation in affected side (may eat out of one side of mouth).Difficulty with coordination and movement as indicated by the following:.Clinical SignsĬlinical signs will vary depending on the type of stroke, the cause of the stroke, and how much damage has occurred to the cells of the brain. The impaired circulation results in a decreased flow of oxygen to the brain causing death of cells, resulting in loss of brain function with possible loss of consciousness, and other neurological impairments. A stroke is a sudden disruption of circulation in the brain in one or more blood vessels.

Unequal pupil size stroke