Brain Stroke

Brain Stroke

A stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without a continuous supply of blood, brain cells can't get the oxygen and nutrients they need and begin to die within minutes. This can lead to lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

Symptoms of a Stroke

Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and require immediate medical attention. A helpful acronym to remember the key signs is F.A.S.T.:

• F - Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Is their smile uneven?

• A - Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Is one arm numb or weak?

• S - Speech difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred, or do they have trouble speaking or understanding what you're saying?

• T - Time to call 911: If you see any of these signs, even if they go away, call for emergency medical help immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms stop.

Other symptoms of a stroke may include:

• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

• A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Causes of a Stroke

The two main types of stroke are ischemic and hemorrhagic.

1. Ischemic Stroke This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of all cases. It occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked or narrowed, leading to reduced blood flow (ischemia). The blockage is usually caused by:

• Atherosclerosis: The buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) on the inside of artery walls, which can narrow or block the vessels.

• Blood clots: A clot can form in an artery in the brain (thrombosis) or travel from another part of the body, such as the heart, and get lodged in a smaller brain artery (embolism).

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke This type of stroke is less common but equally dangerous. It happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts. The blood then spills into the surrounding brain tissue, causing swelling and pressure that damages brain cells. The most common causes are:

• High blood pressure (hypertension): This is the leading risk factor, as the constant high force on blood vessel walls can weaken them over time.

• Aneurysms: A weakened, balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture.

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): Tangled clusters of arteries and veins that can be a congenital defect.

Risk Factors for Stroke

Some risk factors for stroke are within your control, while others are not.

Modifiable Risk Factors (Factors you can control)

• High blood pressure: The single most important modifiable risk factor.

• Smoking: Damages blood vessels and nearly doubles the risk of ischemic stroke.

• Diabetes: Increases the risk of stroke by damaging blood vessels.

• Heart disease: Conditions like atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) can cause blood clots that travel to the brain.

• High cholesterol: Can contribute to atherosclerosis.

• Obesity and lack of physical activity: These can lead to other risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.

• Excessive alcohol use: Can raise blood pressure.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Factors you cannot control)

• Age: The risk of stroke more than doubles for each decade of life after age 55.

• Family history and genetics: A family history of stroke increases your personal risk.

• Race and ethnicity: People who are Black, Hispanic, or of Asian descent may have a higher risk of stroke due to higher rates of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

• Gender: Stroke is more common in men, but more women die from it.