The very mention of the word “stroke” invokes fear in the hearts of everyone. Though many know that it is one of the most horrific medical conditions to deal with, few know the process that is occurring inside the body. A stroke transpires when an area of the brain is cut off from its necessary blood flow. The cessation of flow can be caused by two diverse types of stroke. They are hemorrhagic and ischemic. TIA, or mini-strokes, are another type that only has temporary effects. Regardless of the reason for the impediment of blood flow, the cells are losing oxygen vital for life. When the brain in part or in whole is deprived of oxygen, it dies. The affected areas lose the ability to function. Thankfully, more than 80 percent of all strokes can be eliminated.
Common Types of Stroke
The Hemorrhagic Stroke
The hemorrhagic stroke is one that is caused by an aneurysm that bursts or a weakened blood vessel inside the brain. While this is one of the least common reasons for a stroke, it is by far the most serious. A stroke occurs every 40 seconds in this country, and it is the fifth most common reason for death. Timing is the key to survival as is pre-screening. In most cases, an aneurysm causes intense headaches and pain. Any unusual pains should be evaluated. Clots can be managed with medication and surgical intervention to keep them from bursting.
The Ischemic Stroke
A blood clot is often feared no matter where it is located inside the body. Part of the reason is that it can cut off blood supply to vital organs, like the heart, lungs and brain. If a blood clot affects the brain, it can cause a stroke. Characteristically, the ischemic stroke is the one most commonly seen, with about 87 percent classifying as this type. Risk factors for the ischemic include being overweight and having high blood pressure. In this category, the doctor will either label it as an embolic or thrombotic stroke.
Embolic Stroke
Though still listed as ischemic, the embolic stroke is caused by a blood clot elsewhere in the body. These fragments or clots travel and lodge in a blood vessel. The most common risk factors for the embolic is those who suffer from atrial fibrillation. Once the clot lodges it quickly grows blocking off all blood flow.
Thrombotic Stroke
A clot does not always have to form in the blood vessels to be dangerous. They can also form in the arteries. The arteries are directly responsible for supplying the brain with blood. When a person has high cholesterol levels or they have atherosclerosis, the doctor will diagnose them with a thrombus. This simply means that the clot has formed on blood-vessel deposits.
In a thrombotic stroke, the clot will lodge in the large or small vessels. Though it is most common to see it in the large vessels, it can also occur in the small. Studies have shown that large vessel thrombosis is caused mostly by high-cholesterol and small vessel thrombosis is caused by high blood pressure.
TIA-Transient Ischemic Attack
TIA’s are often referred to as mini-strokes. While they do not create lasting damage, they are often the precursor to a bigger event. During a TIA, blood flow is reduced or impeded, but the symptoms resolve within a short period. Having many of these little strokes is possible. TIAs are an indication that something is wrong that needs to be fixed before permanent damage occurs through an Ischemic stroke. These neurological dysfunctions are not known to cause any tissue death, though they can cause periods where vision is lost, a person has difficulty speaking, their speech is slurred, or they feel paralyzed on one side of the body. Most symptoms from a TIA resolve in one hour.
Understanding the Risks
The most concerning risk factor for any stroke is age. Once a person reaches the age of 55, they are ten times more likely to have a stroke. If the individual is a smoker, then their risk doubles. In African American individuals, the mortality rate is twice as high as the Caucasian group. Research has proved that inherited risk factors and other environmental concerns can be the reason for the increases. Mexican and Latino populations have a higher rate of strokes, but the Native American groups have the lowest risks. Many factors go into these evaluations, but diet and lifestyle have a great bearing on the facts. General risks include:
- Hypertension
- Cardiac Disease
- Diabetes and Glucose Metabolism
- Lipids-Cholesterol
- Cigarette Smoking
- Alcohol Consumption
- Obesity and Diet
- Illegal Drug Use
- Oral Contraceptive Use
- Hemostatic and Inflammatory Issues
- Homocysteine
- Transient Ischemic Attacks
- Having Multiple Risk Factors
Early Detection
Survival increase with prompt medical attention. Knowing the signs and getting to a hospital can save a life. With a stroke, there is almost always a weakness in the face, legs or arms. A person may be unable to speak or may mumble their words. They may be unable to walk or stumble from being paralyzed on one side. During a stroke, a person can lose between one-fourth to one-half of their visual field. Dizziness or lightheadedness is another common symptom. Fatigue and headaches are also commonplace as the brain is deprived of the oxygen it needs to survive.
When any of these symptoms are present, it pays to have an evaluation by a medical team. Other conditions can mimic strokes, but if it is a stroke, things can be done to save a life. Every year, more than 185,000 people in this country will die from a stroke. Education and awareness is everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can anyone have a stroke?
A: Though age is a significant concern, a stroke can occur in any age group. Just like a heart attack is unlikely in the younger crowd, it still can happen.
Q: Is a TIA a real stroke?
A: Yes, a TIA is a real stroke, but it does not cause any lasting damages. The effects almost always go away within an hour.
Q: What are the chances a person will survive a stroke?
A: It is challenging to say what the outcome is generally. Many variations come into play. How fast a person gets help is a significant factor as is their overall medical condition and the location of the clot.
Q: Does having a TIA mean I will have another one?
A: It is possible for a person to have only one TIA. However, these mini-strokes are the bodies way of saying that something is wrong that needs to be fixed.
Q: My parents both had strokes. Do I have a higher risk?
A: Yes, you can be genetically at a higher risk of having a stroke. Though, genetics does not mean that you will have a stroke. It only means your chances are higher.
