A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, or when there’s a blockage in the blood supply to the brain. The rupture or blockage prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the brain’s tissues.
Without oxygen, brain cells and tissue become damaged and begin to die within minutes.
There are three primary types of strokes:
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) involves a blood clot that typically reverses on its own.
- Ischemic involves a blockage caused by either a clot or plaque in the artery. The symptoms and complications of ischemic stroke can last longer than those of a TIA or may become permanent.
- Hemorrhagic is caused by either a burst or leaking blood vessel that seeps into the brain.
Risk factors
- Diet
An unbalanced diet can increase the risk of stroke. This type of diet is high in salt, saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol
- Inactivity
Inactivity, or lack of exercise, can also raise the risk of stroke.
- Heavy alcohol use
If you drink, drink in moderation. This means no more than one drink a day for women, and no more than two drinks a day for men.
- Personal Background
Such as:
- Family history. Stroke risk is higher in some families because of genetic health factors, such as high blood pressure.
- Sex. According to the CDC while both women and men can have strokes, they’re more common in women than in men in all age groups.
- Age. The older you are, the more likely you are to have a stroke.
- Race and ethnicity. African Americans, Alaska Natives, and American Indians are more likely to have a stroke than other racial groups.
What are the signs in men and women?
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
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The easiest way to identify this brain damaging condition is F.A.S.T
The treatments that work best are available only if the condition is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, it’s time to get help right away.
Treatments
- Surgery
- Mechanical thrombectomy
- Clot-breaking drugs
- Stents
- Medications such as Antiplatelet drugs, Statins, Anticoagulants.
