A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, resulting in damage to brain cells. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blocked blood vessel, and hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain.
The symptoms of a stroke depend on the area of the brain that is affected and the severity of the damage. Some common symptoms of a stroke include:
SYMPTOMS
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, particularly in the face, arm, or leg
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain becomes blocked. This can happen in several ways. The most common cause of an ischemic stroke is a blood clot (thrombus) that forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. This type of stroke is called a thrombotic stroke.
Another cause of ischemic stroke is a clot that forms in another part of the body, such as the heart, and then travels to the brain, where it becomes lodged in an artery. This type of stroke is called an embolic stroke.
A third cause of ischemic stroke is a narrowing or blockage of an artery that supplies blood to the brain due to a buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) on the inner walls of the artery. This type of stroke is called an atherosclerotic stroke.
Symptoms of an ischemic stroke are similar to those of any type of stroke, and can include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, loss of vision in one or both eyes, loss of balance or coordination, and a sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds. This can happen in several ways. The most common causes of a hemorrhagic stroke are:
- Aneurysm: A bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain that can rupture and bleed.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): A tangle of abnormal blood vessels in the brain that can rupture and bleed.
- Hypertensive hemorrhage: High blood pressure causes small blood vessels in the brain to weaken and rupture.
Symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke can be similar to those of an ischemic stroke, but may also include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, neck stiffness, and seizures.
Treatments
The longer the brain is without blood flow, the more damage that can occur. When a stroke is caused by a blocked blood vessel, treatments such as thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs) can be given to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow to the brain. Other treatments, such as endovascular therapy, can be used to remove the clot using a small catheter.
For a hemorrhagic stroke, the treatment focus on stopping the bleeding, and controlling the pressure in the brain.
Preventing a stroke involves managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can also help to reduce the risk of stroke.
It’s important to note that hemorrhagic stroke is less common than ischemic stroke, but it’s usually more severe, and has a higher risk of death or disability. Stroke is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention.