Stroke – OZIZA

Stroke

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding or when there’s a blockage in the blood supply to the brain. This rupture or blockage prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the brain’s tissues. Without oxygen, brain cells and tissue become damaged and start to die within minutes.

What are the types of stroke?

There are three primary types of strokes:

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Involves a temporary blood clot that typically resolves on its own.
Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blockage in an artery due to either a blood clot or plaque buildup. Symptoms and complications of an ischemic stroke can be longer-lasting compared to a TIA and may become permanent.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a burst or leaking blood vessel that allows blood to seep into the brain.

What are some symptoms of stroke?

When blood flow to the brain is interrupted, it damages brain tissues—symptoms of a stroke manifest in parts of the body controlled by the affected brain areas. Seeking prompt medical care for a stroke is crucial for improving outcomes. Recognising the signs of a stroke allows for swift action. Symptoms can include:

Paralysis
Numbness or weakness in the arm, face, and leg, particularly on one side of the body
Difficulty speaking or understanding others
Slurred speech
Confusion, disorientation, or unresponsiveness
Sudden behavioural changes, especially increased agitation
Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision or blackened vision in one or both eyes
Difficulty walking
Loss of balance or coordination
Dizziness
Severe, sudden headache with an unknown cause
Seizures
Nausea or vomiting

Immediate medical attention is necessary for a stroke. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent:

Brain damage
Long-term disability
Death

What are the risk factors for stroke?

Several risk factors increase susceptibility to stroke:

Diet: An unbalanced diet high in:

Salt
Saturated fats
Trans fats
Cholesterol

Inactivity: Lack of exercise can raise the risk of stroke. Adults should aim for at least 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise weekly, such as brisk walking.
Heavy Alcohol Use: Increases stroke risk by raising blood pressure and triglyceride levels, which contribute to atherosclerosis — plaque buildup in arteries.
Tobacco Use: Damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases stroke risk due to nicotine effects.

Personal Background: Certain uncontrollable risk factors include:

Family history: Genetic factors like high blood pressure may increase stroke risk.
Sex: Strokes are more common in women across all age groups.
Age: Risk increases with age.
Race and ethnicity: African Americans, Alaska Natives, and American Indians face higher stroke risks.

Health History: Medical conditions linked to stroke risk include:

Previous stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obesity
Heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart valve defects, enlarged heart chambers, and irregular heartbeats
Sickle cell disease
Diabetes
Blood clotting disorders
Patent foramen ovale (PFO)

What are the complications of stroke?

Complications following a stroke can vary and may arise from direct brain injury during the event or due to lasting impairments. These complications include:

Seizures
Loss of bladder and bowel control
Cognitive impairment, including dementia
Reduced mobility, limited range of motion, or difficulty controlling specific muscle movements
Depression
Mood swings or emotional changes
Shoulder pain
Bedsores
Changes in sensory perception

These complications can be managed through various methods, such as:

Medication
Physical therapy
Counselling

Can strokes be prevented?

While lifestyle changes cannot prevent all strokes, they can significantly lower your risk:

Quit smoking: Ceasing smoking reduces your stroke risk.
Limit alcohol use: Heavy drinking can elevate blood pressure, thereby increasing stroke risk.
Maintain a moderate weight: Overweight and obesity heighten stroke risk. Adopt a balanced diet and regular physical activity to manage weight and decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Regular checkups: Consult your doctor about the frequency of checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health conditions. They can help you implement lifestyle changes and offer guidance.
Medication adherence: If you have diabetes or hypertension, taking medications as prescribed helps manage these conditions and lowers stroke risk.

How are strokes diagnosed?

A CT scan can offer a detailed and clear image of your brain, revealing any bleeding or damage. It may also detect other brain conditions potentially causing your symptoms. In addition to a CT scan, your doctor may conduct several blood tests to assess:

Blood sugar levels
Presence of infections
Platelet counts
Blood clotting speed
Cholesterol levels

How is stroke treated?

Proper medical evaluation and swift treatment are crucial for recovering from a stroke. According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, “Time lost is brain lost.”

Ischemic Stroke and TIA: These stroke types, caused by blood clots or blockages in the brain, are often treated with similar techniques. This may include clot-breaking drugs and mechanical thrombectomy.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: For hemorrhagic strokes, the treatment goal is to control bleeding. You may receive medication to counteract any blood thinners you are taking. Additional medications might be prescribed to:

Reduce blood pressure
Lower intracranial pressure
Prevent seizures
Prevent blood vessel constriction

Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation: Recovery and rehabilitation are critical for reducing disability post-stroke. Rehabilitation typically focuses on four main areas: