Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to the rapid death of brain cells and result in permanent brain damage, disability, or death. Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide.

 

. Ischemic Stroke

  • Cause: This is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain. The clot might form in the brain’s arteries (thrombotic stroke) or travel from another part of the body (embolic stroke).
  • Symptoms: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech; difficulty seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke

  • Cause: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding (hemorrhage) in or around the brain. The most common causes include high blood pressure, aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations.
  • Symptoms: Sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion; trouble speaking; loss of consciousness.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

  • Cause: Often called a mini-stroke, a TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. Although the symptoms are similar to those of a stroke, they typically last only a few minutes and cause no permanent damage.
  • Symptoms: Same as those of a stroke but temporary.

Risk Factors

  • Non-Modifiable: Age, family history, gender, and race (stroke risk is higher in African-Americans).
  • Modifiable: High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Diagnosis: Strokes are diagnosed using physical exams, blood tests, imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, and sometimes other specialized tests.
  • Treatment: Treatment varies depending on the type of stroke. For ischemic strokes, clot-busting medications (thrombolytics) or procedures like mechanical thrombectomy may be used. Hemorrhagic strokes might require surgery to repair damaged blood vessels. Rehabilitation, including physical, speech, and occupational therapy, is crucial for recovery.

Prevention

  • Controlling high blood pressure, managing diabetes, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol intake can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.