Stroke
Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to cell death and can result in significant neurological impairment. There are two main types of strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blockage in a blood vessel, often due to a blood clot or atherosclerosis. It accounts for approximately 87% of all strokes.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, leading to bleeding. This type is often associated with high blood pressure or aneurysms.
A third category, Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or “mini-stroke,” occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily disrupted, causing symptoms that resolve within 24 hours.
Common symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision disturbances, dizziness, and severe headache. Immediate medical attention is critical to minimize brain damage.
Treatment depends on the type of stroke:
- For Ischemic Stroke: Medications like thrombolytics (clot-busters) and mechanical thrombectomy to restore blood flow.
- For Hemorrhagic Stroke: Surgical interventions or medications to control bleeding and reduce pressure in the brain.
Rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, plays a crucial role in recovery, helping patients regain function and improve quality of life. Stroke prevention involves managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity.
