Introduction
A brain stroke is a serious medical condition that can have life-altering consequences. Understanding its different types, stroke symptoms and their causes is crucial for prevention and early treatment.In this blog, we will dive into what a brain stroke is, explore its symptoms, the types of strokes, and the factors that lead to brain hemorrhages.
What is a brain stroke?
Brain stroke is an emergency medical condition that can be fatal and requires immediate attention. It can occur due to two conditions, either the blood flow is blocked or bleeding in the brain. Late treatment of strokes can damage and kill brain cells, leading to long-term disability. Therefore it is important to be aware of your body, recognise any discomfort and live a healthy lifestyle.
What are the symptoms of a brain stroke?
Let’s learn about some major signs and symptoms of brain stroke. It’s important to know these signs to get help as soon as possible. Below are some common stroke symptoms.
- Sudden, severe headaches
- Problem with vision, loss of sight or blurred vision
- Trouble maintaining balance and walking
- Confusion and difficulty speaking
- Weakness in body
- Loss of sensation in the limbs
- Mood swings or sudden changes in the personality
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Dizziness
Types of brain stroke
Brain strokes can occur due to two main reasons. Both have different treatment options and symptoms. Let’s have a look at the type of strokes.
Ischemic stroke
When the blood supply to the brain is blocked, it is known as an ischemic stroke. The blood supply can be stopped due to clogged or blocked blood vessels. The brain cells need oxygen to function and therefore, with the blocked vessel, cells and tissue start to die in no time. Vomiting and nausea are the most common symptoms of this type of stroke. The treatment of ischemic stroke includes the removal of the clot and resolving the issue due to which the clot was developed. It is important to find the root cause of the stroke to avoid any more strokes or disabilities in future.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
The brain haemorrhage causes bleeding in the brain. It happens when blood vessels in or around the brain rupture causing bleeding. They require immediate treatment and intervention. These strokes worsen the already present symptoms and can be fatal. The treatment of hemorrhagic stroke includes surgery and medications to immediately control the bleeding in the brain. However, the whole treatment plan is decided based on a person’s other medical conditions and the present situation.
What causes different types of brain stroke?
Causes of Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is ruptures which results in severe bleeding in the brain. This can happen due to the following number of reasons
High blood pressure
Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of damage.
Aneurysm
Aneurysm is the weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel that can swell, stretch, or burst an artery.
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
An abnormal knot in the blood vessels can occur anywhere in the body, but most often in the brain and spinal cord which is a common cause of bleeding in the brain.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)
A condition in which proteins can build up on the walls of the arteries in the brain which can lead to weakness and bleeding.
Head trauma
Head trauma is an injury to the brain, scalp, skull, or blood vessels in the head that may be due to a car accident.
Causes of ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke arises when the blood flow to the brain is blocked because of a blood clot. This can happen due to the following number of reasons:
Irregular heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat can occur when the heart beats too quickly, or too slowly.
Heart valve problems
Heart valve disease arises when one or more of the heart’s valves aren’t working properly.
Heart muscle infection
Myocarditis is a heart muscle problem that occurs when the heart muscle becomes inflamed and affects your heart’s electrical signals which results in an abnormal heartbeat
How can you prevent a stroke?
The best way to prevent brain strokes is to lower the risk factors that might cause it.
Lifestyle changes
Eat healthy, quit smoking, avoid drinking and exercise regularly to minimise the risk.
Medications
Do not skip any medication for a pre-existing condition like diabetes or BP. Seek urgent care for any medical condition that you might think can lead to a stroke.
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Manglamplus Medicity, a 330-bed super-specialty hospital in Jaipur, is equipped to diagnose and treat neurological disorders like Brain Stroke. Our Neurology department has a team of experienced neurologists who provide comprehensive care to patients suffering with brain stroke. If you experience symptoms of brain stroke, consult our experts now.
Conclusion
Brain strokes are life-threatening emergencies that require immediate medical intervention. By understanding the symptoms of brain stroke, types, and causes of strokes, you can take preventive measures to reduce your risk or seek help quickly when needed. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this blog, seek medical attention immediately. Prevention, early detection, and treatment can make all the difference in reducing the impact of a stroke.
Frequently asked questions about brain stroke (FAQs)
Can brain stroke occur frequently?
Yes, a stroke can occur more than once, and the chances of having another stroke get higher after the occurrence of the first one. So, it is important to take precautions and make certain lifestyle changes recommended by the doctors to avoid any more strokes.
What is the recovery period after a stroke?
The recovery period after a stroke differs from person to person, but usually, the most common and required improvements occur in the time frame of the first three months, with recovery continuing for weeks, months, or even years depending on the human body.
When should post-stroke rehabilitation start?
Post-stroke rehabilitation starts as soon as possible after a stroke, ideally within 24-48 hours while still in the hospital. It helps with physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of recovery and can greatly improve the quality of living after a stroke.
What is a CVA treatment?
A CVA treatment, which stands for Cerebrovascular Accident treatment, refers to medical treatments that are done to manage the different types of strokes that include medications to decrease the blood clots.
Which age group is most prone to strokes?
The occurrence of strokes has no specific age limit, it can occur anytime at any age depending upon the human body system but mostly people above the age of 65 are likely to have a stroke. The risk of stroke is doubled after the age of 55.
