Stroke

Brain Stroke, what is it?

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die, making timely intervention critical.

Strokes can lead to lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Understanding the types, causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for stroke can help mitigate its impact.

TYPES OF STROKE

Ischemic Stroke

This is the most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. The clot can form in the brain itself (thrombotic stroke) or travel from another part of the body (embolic stroke).

An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. This prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. Another type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts and causes bleeding in the brain. The blood increases pressure on brain cells and damages them.

A stroke is a medical emergency. It's crucial to get medical treatment right away. Getting emergency medical help quickly can reduce brain damage and other stroke complications.

Symptoms

If you or someone you're with may be having a stroke, pay attention to the time the symptoms began. Some treatments are most effective when given soon after a stroke begins.

Symptoms of stroke include:

• Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying. A person having a stroke may be confused, slur words or may not be able to understand speech.

• Numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of the body. The person can try to raise both arms over the head. If one arm begins to fall, it may be a sign of a stroke. Also, one side of the mouth may droop when trying to smile.

• Problems seeing in one or both eyes. The person may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes. Or the person may see double.

• Headache. A sudden, severe headache may be a symptom of a stroke. Vomiting, dizziness and a change in consciousness may occur with the headache.

• Trouble walking. Someone having a stroke may stumble or lose balance or coordination.

When to see a doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a stroke, even if they seem to come and go or they disappear completely. Think "FAST" and do the following:

Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Or is one arm unable to rise?

Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the person's speech slurred or different from usual?

Time. If you see any of these signs, call us or emergency medical help right away.

TYPES OF STROKE

Hemorrhagic Stroke

What is a hemorrhagic stroke?

A hemorrhagic (pronounced “hem-or-aj-ick”) stroke is a life-threatening medical condition that happens when a blood vessel in your brain ruptures and bleeds. This can disrupt the normal circulation of blood in your brain, starving some areas of oxygen. Accumulated blood also puts pressure on surrounding brain areas, damaging or destroying them.

Hemorrhagic strokes are particularly dangerous because they cause severe symptoms that get worse quickly. Without fast medical attention, these strokes often cause permanent brain damage or even death.

IMPORTANT: A stroke is a life-threatening emergency condition where every second counts. If you or someone with you has symptoms of a stroke, you need to IMMEDIATELY call us (or your local emergency services number). The longer it takes to receive care, the more likely a stroke will cause permanent brain damage or death.

Symptoms of stroke include:

• Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying. A person having a stroke may be confused, slur words or may not be able to understand speech.

• Numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of the body. The person can try to raise both arms over the head. If one arm begins to fall, it may be a sign of a stroke. Also, one side of the mouth may droop when trying to smile.

• Problems seeing in one or both eyes. The person may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes. Or the person may see double.

• Headache. A sudden, severe headache may be a symptom of a stroke. Vomiting, dizziness and a change in consciousness may occur with the headache.

• Trouble walking. Someone having a stroke may stumble or lose balance or coordination.

When to see a doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a stroke, even if they seem to come and go or they disappear completely. Think "FAST" and do the following:

Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Or is one arm unable to rise?

Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the person's speech slurred or different from usual?

Time. If you see any of these signs, call us or emergency medical help right away.