What is Stroke

 A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This disruption in blood flow can occur either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke) in the brain.

1. Ischemic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery that supplies blood to the brain. Ischemic strokes are the most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. There are two main subtypes of ischemic stroke:

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   • Thrombotic stroke: Caused by a clot forming in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
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   • Embolic stroke: Caused by a clot that forms elsewhere in the body (usually the heart) and travels through the bloodstream to the brain, blocking a blood vessel.

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3. Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue, causing damage and pressure on nearby brain cells. Hemorrhagic strokes can result from conditions such as high blood pressure, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), or trauma.

Common symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden severe headache with no known cause; and difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.

Prompt medical attention is crucial in treating stroke to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes. Treatment options depend on the type of stroke and may include medications such as clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) for ischemic strokes, surgical procedures to remove blood clots or repair blood vessels, and rehabilitation therapy to regain lost functions and prevent complications.

Preventive measures for stroke include controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing stress, can also help reduce the risk of stroke.