16/05/2025
A **stroke** occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes, so stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
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# # # **Types and Causes of Stroke**
There are two main types of stroke, each with different causes:
# # # # 1. **Ischemic Stroke** (about 87% of all strokes)
Occurs due to blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain.
* **Causes:**
* **Blood clots** (thrombosis or embolism)
* **Atherosclerosis** (plaque buildup in arteries)
* **Heart conditions** (e.g., atrial fibrillation)
* **Small vessel disease**
# # # # 2. **Hemorrhagic Stroke**
Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
* **Causes:**
* **High blood pressure** (hypertension)
* **Aneurysm rupture**
* **Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)**
* **Head trauma**
* **Blood-thinning medications**
# # # # 3. **Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)**
Often called a "mini-stroke," it's a temporary blockage of blood flow that resolves without lasting damage.
* **Warning sign of future strokes**
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# # # **Symptoms of Stroke**
* Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
* Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
* Vision problems in one or both eyes
* Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance
* Severe headache with no known cause
**Use the acronym FAST:**
* **F**ace drooping
* **A**rm weakness
* **S**peech difficulty
* **T**ime to call emergency services
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# # # **Treatment**
# # # # **Ischemic Stroke Treatment:**
* **Clot-busting drugs**: e.g., **tPA (tissue plasminogen activator)**, given within 3–4.5 hours
* **Mechanical thrombectomy**: physically removing the clot (within 6–24 hours for some patients)
* **Antiplatelet drugs**: aspirin
* **Blood thinners**: for prevention in conditions like atrial fibrillation
# # # # **Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment:**
* **Lowering blood pressure**
* **Surgery** to repair damaged blood vessels or relieve pressure (e.g., clipping an aneurysm)
* **Medications** to control bleeding, seizures, or brain swelling
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# # # **Rehabilitation and Long-term Management**
* **Physical therapy**: regain movement and strength
* **Speech therapy**: for communication or swallowing issues
* **Occupational therapy**: relearn daily activities
* **Lifestyle changes**: diet, exercise, quit smoking, control diabetes and blood pressure