Stroke: Cause, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Types of Stroke

• Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain. It often results from a blood clot or narrowing of arteries due to atherosclerosis.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding in or around the brain. It is commonly associated with high blood pressure, trauma, or aneurysms.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a mini-stroke, this involves a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms usually resolve within minutes to hours without lasting damage, but it is a warning sign for future strokes.
• Cryptogenic Stroke: A type of ischemic stroke where the exact cause remains unknown even after extensive medical evaluation.
• Brain Stem Stroke: Affects the brain stem, which controls vital functions like breathing and heartbeat. This type can be particularly severe and may affect both sides of the body.

Types of Brain Stroke

• Intracerebral Hemorrhagic Stroke: The most common type, where an artery ruptures and blood floods the surrounding brain tissue.
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhagic Stroke: Less common, involving bleeding in the space between the brain and its covering tissues.

Causes of Stroke

Depending on the kind of stroke, many causes can exist. There are three primary categories for strokes:

• Ischemic stroke
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Hemorrhagic stroke

These groups can be subdivided into further categories of strokes, such as: embolic stroke

• Thrombotic stroke
• A cerebrovascular accident
• Subarachnoid stroke

Your course of treatment and recuperation will depend on the type of stroke you have.

Ischemic Stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood vessels supplying the brain become constricted or blocked, typically due to blood clots or significantly reduced blood flow. Plaque fragments can also cause blockages. There are two main types:

• Cerebral Embolism: A blood clot forms elsewhere in the body, often in the heart or upper chest and neck arteries, then travels to the brain, causing an embolic stroke.
• Cerebral Thrombosis: A thrombus forms at the site of a fatty plaque within a blood vessel, leading to a thrombotic stroke.

Ischemic strokes account for 87% of all strokes, according to the CDC.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Also known as a ministroke, a TIA is a brief interruption in blood supply to the brain, with symptoms similar to a full stroke but lasting only minutes to hours. It's typically caused by a blood clot and serves as a warning sign for potential major strokes. One-third of untreated TIA patients may have a major stroke within a year.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a cerebral artery bursts, releasing blood and increasing intracranial pressure and swelling, which damages brain cells.

Conditions That Cause Stroke

These are underlying medical issues or risk factors that increase the chance of stroke:

• High Blood Pressure: Weakens blood vessels or causes them to burst
• Diabetes: Damages blood vessels and increases the risk of clot
• High Cholesterol: Leads to plaque buildup in arteries
• Heart Disease: Especially atrial fibrillation, which causes clots
• Obesity: Increases the risk of other conditions like hypertension and diabetes
• Smoking: Damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Can cause high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Contributes to obesity and poor heart health

Symptoms of Stroke

A Stroke victim's chances of recovery improve the sooner they receive medical attention. Because of this, being aware of the symptoms of a stroke can help you take prompt action. Among the signs of a stroke are:

• An arm, face, or leg that is numb or weak, especially on one side of the body.
• Difficulty understanding or speaking with others.
• Slurred speech.
• Confusion, disorientation, or lack of responsiveness.
• Sudden changes in behavior, particularly heightened agitation.
• Vision problems, including difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, blurry or darkened vision, or double vision.
• Difficulty walking.
• Dizziness.
• Imbalance or coordination problems.
• A sudden and severe headache without a known cause.
• Seizures
• Nauseous or vomiting

When to See a Doctor?

If you believe you or someone else is experiencing a stroke, immediately call local emergency services. Early intervention is essential to avoid the following consequences:

• Trouble speaking, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding others
• Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking
• If symptoms appear, act FAST - Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency help

Early treatment can prevent permanent damage. A quick response can reduce the severity of the stroke and improve recovery chances. Always consult a doctor or stroke specialist as soon as possible if any warning signs appear.

Risk factors for stroke

You are more prone to a stroke if you have certain risk factors. The following are risk factors for stroke:

• Unhealthy Diet: High intake of salt, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can raise stroke risk.
• Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular exercise increases the chance of stroke; even brisk walking a few times a week can help.
• Heavy Alcohol Use: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and triglycerides, contributing to stroke risk.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure, making stroke more likely.

Complications of Stroke

The consequences following a stroke of Reliable Sources might change. Among these difficulties are seizures.

• Loss of control over the bowel and bladder
• Cognitive decline, including dementia
• Diminished range of motion, mobility, or capacity to regulate specific muscle actions
• Depression
• Emotional or mood swings
• Bed sores
• Alterations in perception or feeling

The following strategies can be used to manage these complications:

• Drugs,
• physical therapy, and
• Psychotherapy

Some complications might even be kept for later.

Diagnosis and Tests of Stroke

Your physician will assess your stroke risk through:

• Symptom inquiry: Discuss your symptoms and activities.
• Medical history review: Examine your medical background and medications.
• Physical examination: Check for:
• Balance issues
• Coordination problems
• Weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
• Confusion
• Vision problems

Tests to Confirm Stroke

• Blood Tests
• CT Scan
• MRI Scan
• ECG (Electrocardiogram)
• Brain Angiogram
• Carotid Ultrasound
• Echocardiography

Treatment and Management of Stroke

Recovery from a stroke hinges on prompt medical examination and treatment, with the American Heart Association emphasizing the urgency with the phrase "Time lost is brain lost." The treatment approach varies by stroke type:

TIA and Ischemic Stroke

These are typically caused by blood clots or obstructions in the brain and are treated similarly:

• Clot-busting medications: Thrombolytic drugs, like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), dissolve clots quickly, reducing brain damage and long-term disability.
• Mechanical thrombectomy: A catheter is used to remove clots from major brain vessels, ideally within six to twenty-four hours post-stroke.
• Stents: Used to widen and support constricted arteries.
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove plaque and clots from arteries.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Caused by brain bleeds or leaks, this type requires different treatments:

• Drugs: Medications are used to form blood clots, lower blood and brain pressure, prevent seizures, and avoid blood vessel constriction.
• Coiling: A tube inserts a coil into the weakened artery section to block blood flow and reduce bleeding.
• Clamping: A clip is placed at the aneurysm's base to prevent further bleeding.
• Surgery: If an aneurysm has burst, surgery may be needed to clip it and stop bleeding. A craniotomy might be performed to relieve brain pressure.

Medicover Hospital in India is highlighted for its excellence in the best brain stroke treatment, with a team of top doctors facilitating speedy recovery for patients.

Preventions to Avoid Having a Stroke

A change in lifestyle is not a cure for strokes. However, many of these adjustments can significantly reduce your chances of having a stroke. These modifications include:

• Give up smoking.
• Restrict your alcohol intake.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Make routine checkups.

By following these steps, you can improve your physical condition and reduce your risk of stroke.

Home Remedies for Stroke

Certain natural approaches may support the body during stroke recovery and help improve circulation and brain health:

• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may support brain health.
• Garlic: Helps improve circulation and may lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Ginger Tea: May support heart health and help reduce blood clot formation.
• Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, which may protect brain cells and improve overall vascular health.
• Omega-3 Rich Foods: Fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds support brain and heart health.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration aids circulation and recovery.

Lifestyle Changes for Stroke Recovery

Making sustainable changes can significantly lower the risk of future strokes and support recovery.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to manage cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Engage in regular physical activity to improve circulation, mobility, and overall cardiovascular health under medical supervision.
• Manage stress effectively using relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
• Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels consistently through regular checkups.