Brain Stroke

The blood artery in the brain ruptures and starts to bleed due to which the supply to the brain is affected or cut off resulting in brain stroke. The rupture affects the blood and oxygen supply, making it difficult for it to reach the tissues of the brain.

1) Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is like a warning sign for a future stroke which could be way more serious than TIA. It is a mini stroke, which might feel like a sudden pain or discomfort and may also be resolved within minutes but should be given medical attention to avoid the actual and more serious stroke.

2) Ischemic stroke is similar to TIA but lasts slightly longer than transient ischemic stroke. It is caused by a blockage, a cloth in the artery.

3) Hemorrhagic stroke happens when the blood vessels are ruptured or bursts causing the blood to leak inside the brain. This is a life threatening stroke which may cause death. Surgery may help but the chances of survival are very low.

If proper attention is paid on the individual having a stroke or showing signs of stroke immediate assistance should be given. The sooner a stroke is detected, the better care would be provided to the patient. Below are some of the signs of a stroke which may help determine if a person is having a stroke.

• Paralysis
• Slurred speech
• Lack of responsiveness
• Blurry vision
• Disbalanced/trouble walking straight
• Feeling dizzy
• Sudden numbness and weakness in one side of the body
• Difficulty understanding others speech
• Seizures

If you suspect someone having a stroke, seek medical help as soon as possible to avoid more harm.

There are several factors that can cause and aggravate brain stroke. Below are lifestyle factors, medical factors and other common and potentially treatable factors of brain stroke.

• Being overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Use of illegal drugs
• High blood pressure & cholesterol levels
• Active & passive smoking
• Cardiovascular diseases
• History of stroke in family
• Advanced Age
• Sex (Men have a higher risk of stroke than women)

Early diagnosis of brain stroke may help in offering the best treatment to the patient. Below are some procedures & tests that can assist in diagnosing the stroke to provide better clarity.

• A physical exam
• Blood tests. Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Echocardiogram
• Ultrasound
• Cerebral angiogram

Treatment plan for the brain stroke depends on the type of stroke, whether the stroke is Transient ischemic attack (TIA), Ischemic stroke or Hemorrhagic stroke. Common treatment options include:

• Emergency surgery
• Angioplasty
• endovascular embolization
• Surgical clipping
• Medication to counteract the effect of blood thinners