Stroke
A Stroke is the disruption of the blood supply to the brain. When the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted brain cells will die and this can result in permanent damage. A stroke is a significant neurological event that, in the United States, is the leading cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death. Some sources indicate that up to 750,000 Americans experience a stroke each year and about 160,000, sadly, do not survive. While a minor stroke may cause little to no damage the more severe events can cause considerable damage or death.
A major stroke can lead to
Paralysis or weakness in the arms and legs making it difficult or impossible to walk
Loss of speech and/or ability to understand
Memory problems
Abnormal reflexes or movements of the head and body
And more. What deficits and affects you may experience depend on the severity of the stroke and the area of the brain that has been affected.
Types of Stroke
There are essentially two types of stroke and each can affect any part of the brain.
Ischemic Stroke is a stroke caused by an obstruction of the blood supply to the brain-commonly a blood clot or embolism.
Hemorrhagic Stroke, also known as a Bleeding Stroke, is a type caused when one of the brain’s blood vessels breaks or bursts and bleeds. Though less common than Ischemic strokes some sources indicate that they more often fatal. Hemorrhagic strokes can be further sub-divided into two types based upon where the bleeding occurs.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, most commonly caused by a ruptured Aneurysm, is when the bleeding occurs between the surface of the brain and the skull, in the Subarachnoid space.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage is bleeding within the brain tissue itself.
Risk Factors for Strokes
Smoking studies indicate that smokers have a significantly increased risk of stroke.
High Blood Pressure a major cause of stroke, particularly Hemorrhagic Stroke. Regularly monitor your blood pressure (even if you do not have a history of HBP) and take your medication as prescribed if you are being treated for High Blood Pressure. Be sure to make any dietary or lifestyle changes as recommended by your physician.
Overweight being overweight increases the chance of stroke.
Cholesterol high Cholesterol carries an increase risk of stroke.
Age the risk of stroke increases as we age but people of any age can experience a stroke.
Diabetes persons with diabetes have an increased chance of stroke
Family History there seems to be a tendency for stroke to occur more frequently in some families.
Alcohol Consumption may lead to an increased risk of stroke.
Ethnicity people of African decent, particularly women, have an increased risk of stroke.
Symptoms of a Stroke
Symptoms of a stroke usually have a very sudden onset and may include one or more of the following. Most people will experience at lease two symptoms.
Sudden severe headache
Sudden numbness or weakness of the extremities (arms, legs) and face, primarily on one side of the body
Vision difficulties
Confusion or difficulty talking or understanding speech
Loss of balance, dizziness, or difficulty walking
Women will sometimes exhibit different stroke symptoms from men. Symptoms that are often vague and not easily recognized as a stroke. Because of this, strokes in women are sometimes misdiagnosed and treatment is delayed. These include, but are not limited to the following. Men do exhibit these same symptoms but less frequently than women.
Shortness of Breath
Seizures
Fainting
Chest Pain
Fatigue
Sudden onset of Hiccups
Pain in the arms, legs, or face
Diagnosis
Aside from a physical examination and laboratory work, a physician who suspects a stroke may utilize one of the following, depending on what equipment is available, to make a diagnosis.
Computed Tomography or a CT scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are likely the most common tools used to diagnosis a stroke. Other tools your doctor may use, again depending on what is available, are Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Transcranial Doppler (TCD), Arteriography, Carotid Ultrasonography, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Treatment
The best treatment for stroke is to prevent them by using medication, diet and lifestyle changes and, if necessary, surgical or endovascular procedures. Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant drug can help to prevent, or break up blood clots. Surgical or endovascular procedures, such as clipping and coiling, in the event of an Aneurysm rupture can be used to repair arteries and prevent further bleeding.
Nothing on this website should, in any way be considered medical advice. It is presented as general information only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any type of medical condition. I am not a doctor, nurse, or any other type of medical or health care professional. Nor am I an expert on Aneurysms. However, I am an expert on the experience of having suffered a ruptured Aneurysm and the subsequent treatment I received. This site should not be considered to be, nor is it intended to be, a definitive source of information regarding Aneurysms. I have made every attempt to ensure the accuracy of any information presented here, but again, I am not a medical professional and my own interpretation of this information could be in error.