What is a Stroke?
A stroke, often called a “brain attack,” is caused by the interruption or severe reduction of blood supply to part of the brain that cuts off the brain’s tissue from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Severe damage or even death of brain cells can happen within minutes. Understanding what strokes are, their types, causes, and symptoms is important in preventing and managing this life-threatening condition.
Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke: Blood clot or other obstruction prevents blood from reaching the brain. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Bleeding in the brain from a ruptured blood vessel. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” it is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain.
Causes of Stroke
High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Smoking
Obesity
Atrial fibrillation
Excessive alcohol consumption
Knowing the early warning signs of a stroke can save lives. Remember the acronym FAST:
Face drooping
Weakness in arms
Speech difficulty
Time to dial emergency services
Other symptoms include sudden confusion, inability to see, dizziness, loss of balance, and severe headache.
What is Cerebrovascular Disease?
Cerebrovascular disease refers to a condition that affects blood flow and blood vessels in the brain. It is one of the common causes of stroke and conditions involved include:
Atherosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels)
Aneurysms (blood vessel weakness)
Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels)
Prevention of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease
Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure: Monitor and manage your blood pressure regularly.
Eat a healthy diet: Food high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Exercise regularly: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity a week.
Stop Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and increases the risk for stroke.
Avoid or Limit Alcohol: Consuming excessive alcohol increases health risk factors.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Regularly manage conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol, and heart diseases.
Treatment Alternatives
Stroke Emergency Care
Ischemic Stroke: The use of clot-busting medications, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), or mechanical clot removal.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Surgical or endovascular procedures that can be used to control bleeding and repair blood vessels.
Long-Term Management of Stroke
Conclusion
Knowing the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment for stroke and cerebrovascular diseases is key in preventing and early intervention. Reducing the risk of having a stroke can be accomplished by adopting a healthy lifestyle and seeking timely medical attention.
