What Is Stroke? What Are Its Symptoms and Treatment Methods?
Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or significantly reduced. Without oxygen or nutrients, the affected brain cells begin to die within minutes.
What Causes Stroke?
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or significantly reduced. Without oxygen or nutrients, affected brain cells begin to die within minutes.
There are two main types of stroke that can affect blood flow to the brain:
Ischemic Stroke:
Approximately 85% of all strokes are ischemic, resulting from a blocked or narrowed artery. In thrombotic ischemic stroke, a blood clot or blockage forms in one of the vessels that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain. In embolic stroke, a blood clot breaks off from another vessel, travels along the vasculature, and enters and occludes a narrow brain artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke:
In this less common type of stroke, a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or tears. Uncontrolled hypertension and weak points in the vessel walls are just two of the possible causes of hemorrhagic stroke. When hemorrhagic stroke occurs within the brain, it is called intracerebral hemorrhage. When stroke occurs on or near the surface of the brain, it is called subarachnoid hemorrhage.
What Are the Symptoms of Stroke?
If you notice stroke symptoms in yourself or someone else, rapid medical treatment is critical. Early intervention can both save lives and minimize brain damage and possible post-stroke complications. Common stroke symptoms include:
- Confusion, speech disturbance, or difficulty understanding speech
- Facial paralysis or numbness, arm or leg numbness, loss of sensation
- Blurred vision or vision loss in one or both eyes
- Sudden, severe headache that may be accompanied by dizziness
- Loss of balance and coordination making walking difficult
What Does Post-Stroke Treatment Involve?
Stroke can cause temporary or permanent disabilities depending on which part of the brain is affected, the severity, and the time elapsed before receiving medical treatment. Post-stroke patients may experience the following effects:
- Speech difficulties or swallowing problems
- Chronic pain, numbness, or tingling sensation
- Memory loss
- Emotional problems including depression
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy, and pain management are fundamental components of a comprehensive stroke rehabilitation program. Your neurologist prepares a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, so you can regain as much function as possible to help you regain your strength and live independently.