Final answer:
Embolic strokes in young patients are typically caused by blood clots that originate in the heart due to arrhythmias and get lodged in cerebral arteries. Diagnostic tests include CT scans, MRI, and heart function tests. Early treatment with rtPA can potentially reverse damage if administered promptly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Embolic strokes in young patients are often caused by an embolus, which is a blood clot that has traveled from another part of the body and becomes lodged in an artery of the brain. This blockage impedes blood flow, leading to brain cell death due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. The primary causes of such emboli include heart-related issues, such as arrhythmias, where clots form within the heart and then dislodge to travel to the brain. Diagnostic tests for embolic strokes include imaging such as CT (Computed Tomography) scans and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), which can identify blockages and the extent of brain damage, and other tests like electrocardiograms (EKG) to detect heart rhythm abnormalities, echocardiograms to visualize heart function, and blood tests.
Emergency treatment with a clot-busting drug, specifically recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA), may reverse the stroke's effects if administered within a few hours after symptom onset. Additionally, the detection of the ischemic penumbra is crucial for determining the effectiveness of rtPA, as this area of the brain is still salvageable and can recover with appropriate treatment.