What is a Stroke?

According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the number three cause of death in the United States, and is also a leading cause of serious disabilities. Yet a majority of people are still unaware of what the word stroke even means.

A stroke is a sudden disruption in the blood supply to the brain. This disruption prevents oxygen and glucose from being delivered to the brain, which causes cells in the brain to die. This disruption can be caused by a blockage or a blood vessel that bursts. There are a number of types of stroke. Each type has different causes. Below you will find the 3 main types of stroke, and their description.

Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke is caused by a blocked artery. The arteries deliver blood to the brain from the heart and lungs. This blood carries in oxygen and other nutrients, and carries away carbon dioxide and cellular waste. An artery blockage stops this cycle, causing brain cells to stop working and eventually they die. Ischemic strokes account for 88% percent of all strokes, making it the most common of all stroke types.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage
A blood vessel bursting in the brain is called an intracerebral hemorrage. After the blood vessel bursts, blood is leaked into the inside of the brain. The leakage of blood causes increased pressure inside the brain. This pressure can cause unconsciousness or even death if it is not repaired quickly. Intracerebral Hemorrhage strokes account for 12% of all strokes.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is also caused by an artery tha burst. This type differs from intracerebrel because the area surrounding the brain fills up with blood instead of the area inside the brain. This type of stroke can occur in people of any age, and is a little more common in women than it is in men.

Stroke Warning Signs
If you have any of the symptoms below, be sure and visit your doctor as soon as possible. Some of the warning signs of a stroke are:

• Numbness in your face, arms, or legs, especially if it only affects one side of your body.
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Trouble seeing from one or both eyes.
• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Severe headache

Stroke Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent a stroke. Keep your blood pressure and diabetes under control and stop smoking or using any tobacco products. If you are at risk for a stroke or have shown symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you take an aspirin each day or may put you on a blood thinner.

Knowing the warning signs and ways to help prevent a stroke are steps in the right direction. If you or someone you love has any of the signs of a stroke, visit your doctor immediately or go straight to the emergency room. Getting fast treatment significantly increases the odds of a full recovery.

Sources:

Stroke
Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEM
MedicineNet.com