Stroke is condition in which the brain cells suddenly die because of a lack of oxygen. A stroke can be caused by an obstruction in the blood flow, or the rupture of an artery that feeds the brain. There are three types of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic and aneurysms/AVMs.
Blood clots from elsewhere in the body can also cause an ischemic stroke. These strokes occur when a clot breaks loose and travels through the blood stream to the brain's arteries and then smaller blood vessels where it gets stuck and cuts off the blood supply. This blockage is called an embolism.
The term "cerebral infarction" is also used in connection with ischemic stroke. An infarct is an area of tissue that has died because the blood clot has stopped the blood supply to that area.
The accumulated blood from the ruptured artery clots, displacing normal brain tissue and disrupting brain function. Cerebral hemorrhage is most likely to occur in people who suffer from a combination of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
There are two main types of hemorrhagic strokes: subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage, which refer to the parts of the brain affected by the bleeding.
In subarachnoid hemorrhage, the bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the skull.
Intracerebral hemorrhage is caused when a defective artery within the brain bursts, flooding the surrounding brain tissue with blood.
In the case of an aneurysm, the weak spot in the vessel wall can be stretched out over the years, often by high blood pressure, which ultimately causes it to rupture.
While aneurysms may not cause any symptoms until they burst, AVMs may have many associated symptoms, including seizures, progressive neurologic problems and severe headaches that are unresponsive even to strong medications.
Stroke Symptoms
Up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. Sometimes a stroke develops gradually, but it's more common to experience the signs and symptoms of an impending stroke abruptly. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of an impending stroke and taking action, you may be able to stop a stroke or reduce its severity.
The easiest way to remember how to spot a stroke and get the appropriate treatment is the "B.E.F.A.S.T." acronym:
In addition, other symptoms and early warning signs include:
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
- Confusion or trouble understanding other people
- Trouble seeing with one or both eyes
- Trouble walking or staying balanced or coordinated
- Dizziness
- Severe headache that comes on for no reason