Stroke
A stroke occurs when there is a reduction in the flow of blood to the brain. The lack of blood supply may be the result of a blockage in an artery or a broken blood vessel in the brain. A stroke deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to die. A stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention by a medical professional. Prompt treatment can minimize damage to the brain and prevent further complications.
Types of Stroke
There are two different categories of strokes, ischemic and hemorrhagic. The more common type of stroke is ischemic, which accounts for approximately 85 percent of all strokes. Common types of ischemic strokes include thrombotic and embolic.
Thrombotic Stroke
A thrombotic stroke occurs when an artery supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot. Blockage of the artery usually happens gradually but may vary in time frame.
Embolic Stroke
An embolic stroke, also known as a cerebral embolism, occurs when a blood clot forms in another part of the body, breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the brain. The clot lodges in a narrowed brain artery, blocking the passage of blood.
A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a blood vessel's leaking or bursting in the brain. This has the double effect of cutting off the blood supply to brain cells, and causing blood pressure to build up within the skull. There are two types of hemorrhagic strokes.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
An intracerebral hemorrhage, also known as a cerebral hemorrhage, occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. Brain cells beyond the rupture are deprived of blood and unable to receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients to stay alive.
A stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is extremely important and the sooner it is given, the more likely it is that damage can be minimized.
Risk Factors for Stroke
The most common risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes. Additional risk factors include:
- Prior stroke or heart attack
- Pregnancy
- Genetic predisposition
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Use of birth control pills or other hormone therapies
- Heavy or binge drinking
People who are over the age of 55 and people of African-American descent also have a higher risk of stroke. Using illicit drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines also increases the risk of stroke.
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
There are five major symptoms of a stroke:
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speach
- Vision changes
- Facial droop
- Severe headache
Headache may be accompanied by a stiff neck, facial pain, pain between the eyes and/or vomiting. Because these signs mimic other conditions, it's important be examines in the ER.
Treatment of Stroke
Stroke treatment varies depending on the type of stroke that occurred.
Ischemic Stroke Treatment
To treat an ischemic stroke, blood flow to the brain needs to be restored quickly. Emergency treatment with medication improves the chance of survival and lowers the chance of complications. Drugs to break up the blood clot(s) need to be started quickly (no more than 5 hours after the stroke). Potent clot disolving medications are usually the course of treatment but this decision will be made in the ER making the action to seek care paramount. Some ischemic strokes may require surgery to remove the blockage.
Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment
A combination of blood-vessel surgery and medication to control bleeding may be used to treat a hemorrhagic stroke. Stroke surgery carries risks, and is usually a decision of your surgeon.
Prevention of Stroke
Knowing the risk factors and making lifestyle changes are the best ways to reduce the risk of having a stroke. Following a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of stroke. Many strokes are preventable, and prevention techniques include:
- Lowering cholesterol and fat intake
- Quitting smoking (smoking cessation).
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet
- Managing stress
- Reducing or limiting alcohol consumption
- Controlling diabetes
- Eliminating cocaine and illegal drug use
Because more than 50 percent of strokes are caused by high blood pressure, it is the most important health condition to treat. Patients at high risk for stroke may be prescribed medications known as antihypertensives to control their blood pressure.