Brain Stroke- Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What is a brain stroke?

Brain stroke is an acute vascular event in the brain, it can be a rupture or bleed in a brain blood vessel, or a blockage preventing the oxygen and blood from reaching the tissues of the brain. It is one of the leading causes of death in the world. A person needs immediate emergency medical treatment in case he or she is experiencing a stroke. Though they are treatable, some of them can lead to death or residual disability in a person.

What are the Different Types of Stroke?

There are three different types of strokes that can be experienced by a person:

• Ischemic Stroke: This is one of the most common types of strokes making up around 87 % of all the total cases. It refers to a blood clot that prevents the oxygen and blood from reaching the brain.
• Hemorrhagic Brain: This stroke takes place when there is a rupture in a blood vessel. They happen as a result of AVMs (arteriovenous malformations) or aneurysms.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

The symptoms of a stroke usually appear suddenly. By knowing these signs, emergency medical attention can be provided to a person.

• Difficulty in speaking
• Confusion or difficulty in understanding the simple everyday tasks.
• Limb or facial weakness
• Numbness
• Headache
• Changes in vision of one or both eyes
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Facial drooping on one side

There is a special F.A.S.T. test designed in 1998 that helps the ambulance staff to diagnose whether a person is suffering from stroke or not. It involves

• F for drooping of the Face
• A for Arm strength used by a person for holding his arms out
• S for poor understanding or slurring of Speech
• T for Time to call ambulance in case all the above signs are positive

What are the causes and Risk Factors of Stroke?

Different strokes have different potential causes. However, they are more common in people if they:

• Obesity
• Elderly age
• Family history of stroke
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol or any heart disease
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Smoking
• Stress
• Inactivity

What is the treatment for stroke?

The success of treatment of stroke depends on the time, taken to reach appropriate treatment. This is critical, as it helps in preventing any damage to the brain, disability and the recovery process. Even a few minutes can make a huge difference. Clot-busting medications can only work if the patient is brought within the first 4-5 hours of symptoms onset. Remember, if you are trying to prevent the first or second stroke, it is best to work with best neurologist at Accord Hospitals to find a strategy that works best for you. Mechanical thrombectomy is an option up to 24 hrs. of onset