BRAIN STROKE

A brain stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients.

Types of Brain Stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke (80-90%): Blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke (10-20%): Blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or "Mini-Stroke": Temporary disruption of blood flow.

Causes of Brain Stroke:

1. Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in blood vessels)

2. High Blood Pressure

3. Blood Clots

4. Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)

5. Diabetes

6. Smoking

7. Family History

8. Age (risk increases after 55)

Symptoms of Brain Stroke:

1. Sudden weakness or numbness in face, arm, or leg

2. Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking

3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

4. Sudden severe headache

5. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance

6. Sudden nausea or vomiting

How Brain Stroke Works:

1. Blood flow interruption: Blood clot or vessel rupture blocks blood flow.

2. Brain cell damage: Lack of oxygen and nutrients causes cell death.

3. Inflammation: Body's response to injury leads to inflammation.

4. Brain swelling: Increased pressure can lead to further damage.

Diagnosis of Brain Stroke:

1. Medical history

2. Physical examination

3. Imaging tests (e.g., CT scan, MRI)

4. Blood tests (e.g., complete blood count, electrolytes)

5. Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Treatment Options for Brain Stroke:

Acute Treatment:

1. Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) for ischemic stroke

2. Blood thinners (anticoagulants)

3. Anti-hypertensive medication

4. Surgery (e.g., craniotomy, angioplasty)

Rehabilitation:

1. Physical therapy

2. Occupational therapy

3. Speech therapy

4. Cognitive therapy

5. Medication management

Prevention Strategies:

1. Manage blood pressure

2. Control diabetes

3. Quit smoking

4. Exercise regularly

5. Maintain a healthy weight

6. Follow a healthy diet

When to Seek Medical Attention:

1. Sudden symptoms of stroke

2. Severe headache

3. Confusion or difficulty speaking

4. Weakness or numbness in face, arm, or leg

5. Difficulty walking or balance

Brain Stroke Complications:

1. Cognitive impairment

2. Memory loss

3. Speech difficulties

4. Vision problems

5. Weakness or paralysis

6. Emotional changes (e.g., depression, anxiety)

Brain Stroke Statistics:

1. 795,000 strokes occur annually in the US

2. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the US

3. 1 in 4 stroke survivors will experience another stroke

Consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Act F.A.S.T.

1. Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?

2. Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

3. Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred?

4. Time: Time is of the essence. Call for emergency medical services immediately.