Brain Stroke, Types of, Causes, Pathology, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Animation.
Types of Strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke (85% of cases): This occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. There are two subtypes:
- Thrombotic Stroke: The clot forms within the brain artery itself.
- Embolic Stroke: The clot forms elsewhere in the body (often in the heart) and travels through the bloodstream to lodge in a brain artery.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke (15% of cases): This occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing bleeding within the brain tissue. There are two subtypes:
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs within the brain tissue itself.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the skull.
Causes of Strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke:
- Atherosclerosis (fatty deposits hardening arteries)
- High blood pressure High cholesterol Diabetes Smoking Obesity Sleep apnea Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) Carotid artery stenosis (narrowing of the neck arteries)
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: High blood pressure Aneurysms (weakened bulges in blood vessel walls) Arteriovenous malformations (tangles of abnormal blood vessels) Head injury Blood thinners (taken in excess) Liver disease
Pathology of Strokes:
- Ischemic stroke: Clot blocks blood flow, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell death and damage.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Bleeding injures surrounding brain tissue, increases pressure, and disrupts normal brain function.
Symptoms of Strokes:
- Sudden onset of one or more of the following:
- Facial drooping or weakness
- Arm or leg weakness or numbness (often on one side)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Severe headache
- Confusion or memory loss
Remember:
- Recognizing stroke symptoms and acting quickly is crucial for minimizing brain damage and improving outcomes.
- If you suspect a stroke, call emergency services immediately.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve stroke recovery chances.
Additional Resources:
- American Stroke Association: https://www.stroke.org/
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113