A stroke occurs when a vein in the brain is ruptured and bleeds, or when the blood supply to the brain is blocked. A rupture or blockage prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the brain tissues Without oxygen, brain cells and tissues become damaged and begin to die within minutes.
There are three main types of stroke:
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a blood clot that usually breaks up on its own.
Ischemic stroke involves obstruction by a clot or plaque in a vein. Symptoms and complications of an ischemic stroke may last longer than a TIA or may be permanent.
A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by the explosion or leakage of a blood vessel entering the brain.
Ischemic stroke
In an ischemic stroke, the arteries that supply blood to the brain become narrowed or blocked. These blockages cause blood clots or severe reduction in cerebral palsy. Pieces of plaque that are broken off and blocking the vein can also cause it. There are two types of blockages that can lead to an ischemic stroke: cerebral embolism and cerebral thrombosis. A cerebral embolism (commonly called an embolic stroke) occurs when a blood clot forms in another part of the body—usually the heart or in veins in the upper chest and neck—and travels through the bloodstream until it enters an artery. . it's end. The clot gets stuck and stops blood flow, causing a stroke. Cerebral thrombosis (commonly called thrombotic stoke) occurs when a blood clot grows in a fatty plaque in a vein. According to the CDC, 87 percent of the credible source of stroke is ischemic stroke.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
A transient ischemic attack, often called a TIA or ministroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. The symptoms are similar to a full stroke. However, it tends to be temporary, disappearing after a few minutes or hours as the blockage works and blood flow is restored. A blood clot normally causes a TIA. Although not technically classified as a full stroke, a TIA serves as a warning that an actual stroke may be occurring. For this reason, it is best not to ignore it. Find the same treatment you want for a severe stroke and seek medical help. According to the CDC, more than one-third of people who have a TIA and are not treated within a year go on to have a major stroke. As many as 10 to 15 percent of people who have a TIA have a major stroke within 3 months.
Hemorrhagic stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is broken or blood leaks. Blood from the artery creates excessive pressure in the skull and inflames the brain, damaging brain cells and tissues. The two types of hemorrhagic stroke are intracerebral and subarachnoid: • Intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke. This occurs when the tissues around the brain fill with blood after a vein bursts. • Subarachnoid hemorrhagic stroke is less common. This causes bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissues that cover it. According to the American Heart Association, about 13 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic.
Stroke symptoms
Symptoms of a stroke Loss of blood flow to the brain can damage tissues in the brain. Stroke symptoms can be seen in the parts of the body that are controlled by the damaged parts of the brain. The sooner you treat someone with a stroke, the better the outcome. For this reason, it helps to know the symptoms of a stroke so you can move quickly. Symptoms of a stroke may include:
• paralysis Weakness or weakness of the arms, face, and legs, especially of one part of the body
• difficulty speaking or understanding others
• crafty speech
• confusion, disorientation or unresponsiveness
• a sudden change in behavior, especially an increase in discomfort
• vision problems, such as difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, black or blurred vision, or double vision
• problems with walking
• loss of balance or coordination
• dizziness
• severe, sudden headache of unknown cause
• attacks
• wear or vomit A stroke requires immediate medical attention. If you think you or others are having a stroke, call 911 or your local emergency department immediately. Prompt treatment is key to preventing the following outcomes:
• brain injury
• chronic limitation
• death It's best to take extra care with a stroke, so don't be afraid to seek medical attention if you think you know the symptoms of a stroke.
Certain risk factors make you more prone to stroke. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, stroke risk factors include:
Diet
An unbalanced diet can increase the risk of stroke. This type of diet has a high content of: • salt • saturated fats • trans fats • cholesterol
Inactivity
Inactivity or lack of exercise can also increase the risk of stroke. Regular exercise has many health benefits. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise per week Reliable Source. This can mean a brisk walk several times a week.
Heavy alcohol use
The risk of stroke also increases with heavy alcohol consumption. If you drink, drink in moderation. This means no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure levels. It can also increase triglyceride levels, which can lead to atherosclerosis. It is the formation of plaques in the arteries that narrows the vessels.
Tobacco use
Using tobacco in any form can also increase the risk of stroke because it can damage blood fats and the heart. Nicotine can also increase blood pressure
• Sex. According to the CDC, while women and men can have strokes, they are more common in women than men of all age groups.
• Age. The older you are, the more likely you are to have a stroke.
• Race and ethnicity. African Americans, Alaska Natives, and American Indians are more likely to have a stroke than other racial groups.
Family history. Stroke risk is higher in some families because of genetic health factors, such as high blood pressure
Medical history
Certain medical conditions are linked to stroke risk. These include:
a previous stroke or TIA
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
carrying too much excess weight
heart disorders, such as coronary artery disease
heart valve defects
enlarged heart chambers and irregular heartbeats
sickle cell disease
diabetes
blood clotting disorder
patent foramen ovale (PFO)
How to prevent a stroke
Lifestyle changes can’t prevent all strokes. But many of these changes can make a radical difference when it comes to lowering your risk of stroke.
These changes include the following:
Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting now will lower your risk of stroke. You can reach out to your doctor to create a quit plan.
Limit alcohol use. Heavy alcohol consumption can raise your blood pressure, which in turn raises the risk of stroke. If reducing your intake is difficult, reach out to your doctor for help.
Keep a moderate weight. Overweight and obesity increases the risk of stroke. To help manage your weight, eat a balanced diet and stay physically active more often than not. Both steps can also reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Get regular checkups. Talk with your doctor about how often to get a checkup for blood pressure, cholesterol, and any conditions you may have. They can also support you in making these lifestyle changes and offer guidance.
Your doctor may draw blood for many blood tests. Blood tests can detect:
• blood sugar level
• if you have an infection
• platelet count
• how quickly your blood clots
• cholesterol levels
MRI and CT scan
Your doctor may order an MRI, CT scan, or both. An MRI can help determine whether any brain tissue or brain cells are damaged. A CT scan can provide a detailed and clear image of your brain that can see any bleeding or damage. It may also indicate other brain conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
EKG
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that records the electrical activity of the heart, measuring its rhythm and recording how fast it beats. An EKG can determine if you have heart problems that could cause a stroke, such as a first heart attack or atrial fibrillation.
Cerebral angiogram
A cerebral angiogram provides a detailed view of the nerves in your neck and brain. The test can show blockages or clots that can cause symptoms.
Carotid ultrasound
A carotid ultrasound, also called a duplex carotid scan, can show fatty deposits (plaque) in your carotid arteries that supply blood to your face, neck, and brain. It will also show if your carotid arteries are narrowed or blocked.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram can find sources of clots in your heart. These clots can travel to your brain and cause a stroke.
Treatment of stroke
A good medical examination and prompt treatment are essential for stroke recovery. According to the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, "Time lost is brain lost." Treatment for a stroke depends on the type of stroke:
Ischemic stroke and TIA
Because a blood clot or blockage in the brain causes these types of stroke, they are usually treated the same way. They may include:
Medicines that can destroy the clot
Thrombolytic drugs can break up blood clots in the arteries in your brain, which can stop a stroke and reduce brain damage. One such drug, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or Alteplase IV r-tPA, is considered the Trusted Source gold standard in the treatment of ischemic stroke. This medicine works by quickly dissolving blood clots. People who receive tPA injections are more likely to recover from a stroke and less likely to have long-term disability as a result of the stroke.
Mechanical thrombectomy
During this procedure, your doctor will insert a catheter into a large amount of blood in your head. They then use a tool to get the lump out of the container. This operation is most successful if performed 6 to 24 hours Trusted Source after the turn begins
Stents
If the doctor finds where the artery walls are weak, he can perform a procedure to dilate the narrow vein and support the artery walls with a stent.
Surgery
Working In rare cases when other treatments don't work, surgery can remove the blood clot and plaque from your veins. This surgery can be done using a catheter. If the lump is too large, the surgeon may open the vein to remove the blockage.
Hemorrhagic stroke
Strokes caused by blood or brain drops require different treatment methods. Treatment of hemorrhagic stroke includes
Medicines
Unlike an ischemic stroke, if you have a hemorrhagic stroke, the goal of treatment is to make the blood clot. Therefore, you can get medication against any blood thinners you are taking. You may also be prescribed medicines that can:
• lowering of blood pressure
• reduce pressure in the brain
• prevention of seizures
• prevention of narrowing of blood vessels
Coiling
During this procedure, the doctor inserts a long tube into the site of bleeding or weakened blood vessels. They then install and paint the gaming device in the area where the artery wall is weak. It blocks blood flow to the area, which reduces bleeding
Clamp
During imaging tests, the doctor may discover an aneurysm that has not yet started to stop or stop. To prevent further bleeding, the surgeon may place a small clamp at the base of the aneurysm. This cuts off the blood supply and prevents possible vein breakage or new bleeding.
Surgery
If your doctor finds that the aneurysm is ruptured, he or she may perform surgery to sever the aneurysm and prevent further bleeding. Similarly, a craniotomy may be necessary to relieve pressure in the brain after a major stroke. In addition to emergency treatment, your healthcare team will advise you on how to prevent future strokes
Recovery from stroke
Stroke is the leading cause of chronic disability in the United States. However, the American Stroke Association reports that 10 percent of stroke survivors recover almost completely, while another 25 percent recover with minor problems.It is important that stroke recovery and rehabilitation begin as soon as possible. Ideally, stroke treatment should begin in hospital. At the hospital, the medical team can confirm your condition and diagnose the effects of the stroke. They can identify the underlying causes and begin therapy to help you regain some of your impaired skills.
Speech therapy
A stroke can cause speech and language impairment. A speech therapist will work with you to learn to speak again. Or, if you have problems with verbal communication after a stroke, they can help you find new ways to communicate.
Cognitive therapy
Many people's thinking and reasoning can change after a stroke. It can cause changes in behavior and mood. An occupational therapist can help you regain your previous patterns of thought and behavior and manage your emotional reactions.
Relearning sensory skills
If the part of your brain that transmits sensory signals is affected during a stroke, you may find that your senses are "red" or no longer working. This can mean that you are not feeling well, such as temperature, pressure or pain. An occupational therapist can help you adjust to this lack of feeling.
Physical therapy
Muscle tone and strength can be weakened by a stroke, and you may find that you can't move your body the way you used to. A physical therapist will work with you to regain your strength and balance and find ways to adapt to any limitations.
American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association
