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Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. This can happen due to a blockage in an artery (ischemic stroke) or bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells that are deprived of oxygen and nutrients start to die within minutes, leading to lasting brain damage and potential disability.
Types of Stroke
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Ischemic Stroke (85% of strokes): An ischemic stroke is when a blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain, interrupting blood flow. This can be caused by:
- Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)
- Blood clots travelling from other parts of the body
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Hemorrhagic Stroke (15% of strokes): A weakened blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding in the brain tissue. This can be caused by:
- High blood pressure
- Aneurysm (weak spot in a blood vessel wall)
- Arteriovenous malformation (an abnormal tangle of blood vessels)
Risk Factors for Stroke
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of stroke
- Certain medical conditions like atrial fibrillation (Irregular Heartbeat)
How to prevent damage?
Remembering the stroke symptoms is crucial as early action can significantly improve the outcome. Here's a breakdown of the key things to watch for:
FAST is an easy acronym to remember the most common stroke symptoms:
- F - Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face seem to sag?
- A-Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S - Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does their speech sound different from normal?
- T - Time to Call Emergency Helpline: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Every minute counts in stroke treatment.
Additional Stroke Symptoms
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
- Sudden confusion, trouble understanding, or difficulty speaking
- Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
- Difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary. However, if you suspect someone might be having a stroke, err on the side of caution and call emergency services immediately.
Here are some additional points to consider:
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Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Sometimes, stroke symptoms appear briefly and then resolve on their own within an hour. This is called a TIA (mini-stroke) and is a warning sign that a major stroke could occur. If you experience TIA symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
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Stroke in Men vs. Women: While the FAST signs apply to everyone, women may experience additional symptoms like sudden weakness, fainting, or difficulty breathing during a stroke.
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