Causes of Stroke
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Increases the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Atrial Fibrillation: A type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, increasing stroke risk.
Diabetes: Increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, which can lead to stroke.
High Cholesterol Levels: Can contribute to the formation of plaques in arteries, increasing stroke risk.
Smoking: Damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure, significantly increasing stroke risk.
Obesity: Increases the likelihood of other stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to other stroke risk factors like obesity and hypertension.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Increases blood pressure and can lead to atrial fibrillation, both of which increase stroke risk.
Drug Abuse: Certain drugs can increase the risk of stroke due to their effects on blood vessels and heart function.
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) or a piece of plaque blocks a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. This blockage deprives the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to damage or death of brain cells. Ischemic strokes are the most common type, accounting for approximately 87% of all strokes.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosing an ischemic stroke typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (such as CT scan or MRI), and assessment of medical history. Time is critical in treating ischemic stroke as quick intervention can minimize brain damage and improve outcomes. Treatment often includes administering clot-busting medications (thrombolytics) like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow. In some cases, mechanical thrombectomy may be performed to remove larger clots. Additionally, managing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is crucial to prevent future strokes. Rehabilitation and recovery programs are also essential to help patients regain lost abilities and improve quality of life post-stroke.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks, leading to bleeding (hemorrhage) in or around the brain tissue. This bleeding puts pressure on nearby brain cells and damages them. Hemorrhagic strokes account for about 13% of all strokes and can result from conditions such as high blood pressure, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), or head trauma.
Symptoms:
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosing a hemorrhagic stroke involves a thorough physical examination, imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI to locate the site and extent of bleeding, and assessment of medical history. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to control bleeding and reduce pressure on the brain. Treatment may involve surgery to repair the blood vessel or remove blood that has accumulated in the brain (evacuation). Management focuses on stabilizing vital signs, preventing complications like seizures and swelling, and addressing underlying conditions like high blood pressure. Rehabilitation plays a vital role in helping patients recover lost functions and regain independence after a hemorrhagic stroke.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to the rapid death of brain cells.
There are two main types of stroke: Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blockage (usually a blood clot) within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, leading to bleeding into or around the brain.
Common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and family history of stroke.
Common symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Doctors typically diagnose stroke based on symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic tests such as a CT scan or MRI to determine the type and location of the stroke.
Preventive measures include managing high blood pressure, quitting smoking, managing diabetes and cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, and seeking medical treatment for conditions that increase stroke risk.
A TIA is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. It is often referred to as a "mini-stroke" and is caused by a temporary decrease in blood supply to part of the brain. TIAs should be taken seriously as they can be a warning sign of a future stroke.