Think of your brain as a busy command center in charge of all the actions you take in life, whether it is moving your small finger or coming up with a complicated puzzle. However, just suppose that the power cable to that center was to be pulled out. This is basically what occurs in the case of a brain stroke. It is a life-threatening illness, during which the blood supply to a section of your brain is interrupted, so that the brain cells do not receive the oxygen they require to survive.
When this occurs, brain cells are able to start to die in a few minutes. This is the reason why it is important to know the signs and act quickly. It is in this blog that we will dissect all that you need to know about this condition in straightforward and easy-to-understand language.
Table of Contents
What Exactly is a Brain Stroke?
Imagine your blood vessels as a road, which transports your brain with food and oxygen. When there is a clot (traffic jam) or the bursting of a vessel (road collapse) on one of these highways, then this will result in a brain stroke. Without the supply of blood, which is blocked or minimal in supply, the brain tissue is not able to receive oxygen and nutrients, causing damage.
This is commonly referred to by doctors as a brain attack due to the fact that it is urgent, just like a heart attack. An individual has a higher chance of healing sooner if he or she seeks medical assistance. It really matters when it comes to saving lives and minimizing long-term disability since timely treatment may help enormously.
Common Brain Stroke Symptoms
The signs can help to save a life. Brain stroke symptoms are best remembered with the help of an acronym, the acronym of which is B.E.F.A.S.T.
- B – Balance: Is there an acute loss of balance or coordination in the person? Are they stumbling?
- E – Eyes: Does the vision suddenly become blurred or double? Are they in good visual dispensation of both eyes?
- F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Is one of their sides hanging down?
- A – Arms: This is to ask them to lift both their arms. Does one arm go numb or hang downwards?
- S – Speech: Is there a speech impairment of speech slurry or strangeness? Do they have the ability to repeat a simple sentence, such as, the sky is blue?
- T – Time: When you notice any of these signs, then it is high time to call emergency services.
Other red flags are sudden, severe headache of unknown origin, confusion or lack of understanding of what other people are saying. Always respond immediately in case you suspect these problems.
What Are the Main Causes?
One would wonder what exactly causes this condition. Brain stroke causes are many and they are associated with our lifestyle and health status.
The two culprits of the greatest importance are blocked arteries and leaking blood vessels.
- Blocked Arteries: If your arteries are narrow, it is caused by a deposition of fatty material (cholesterol). In case a blood clot is formed in such narrowed tubes, it obstructs blood flow.
- High Blood Pressure: This is the cause of the first order. The uncontrolled high blood pressure can also make the blood vessels weak over time and this can lead to the bursting of the vessels.
The other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase your chances of having a brain stroke in the future.
Types of Brain Stroke
Not all strokes are the same. The physicians divide them into three major categories depending on the action within the brain.
- Ischemic Stroke
This is the most prevalent type of type that takes approximately between 80 and 85 percent. It occurs due to the obstruction of a blood vessel that nourishes the brain by a blood clot. Imagine a pipe that has clogged and the water cannot pass through it.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
This is a minor yet severe type. It takes place when a blood vessel that is already weakened leaks or even bursts (ruptures) within the brain. Leaked blood exerts excessive pressure on brain cells, which damages them.
- TIA Transient Ischemic Attack.
This is a temporary obstruction that is commonly referred to as a mini-stroke. The symptoms may take a few minutes and may be gone, but it is a great indicator that a complete stroke may occur after a short duration.
Brain Stroke is Dangerous. Is It True?
Some people ask a question, is brain stroke unsafe? The simple answer is yes. It is a life-threatening disorder that needs emergency treatment.
A stroke can lead to permanent brain damage, disability or death if it is not treated immediately. The brain is the controller of everything that we do. Therefore, any damage to certain areas of the brain can lead to paralysis, inability to speak or loss of memory. Nevertheless, there is always the positive aspect that with the advancement in medicine, treatments have also become very effective, which has greatly enhanced the survival chances of stroke victims of the brain.
Brain Stroke Treatment and Surgery Options
The brain stroke treatment is fully dependent on the nature of the stroke an individual is experiencing. This is the reason why it is very crucial to rush to the hospital where a scan is to be done.
- In the case of Ischemic Stroke: Physicians usually use the so-called clot-busting medication known as TPA (tissue plasminogen activator) to disintegrate a clot and resume the flow of blood. In other instances, a procedure known as a mechanical thrombectomy is done, whereby the clot is physically extracted.
- For Hemorrhagic Strokes: The treatment involves preventing the bleeding and alleviating the pressure in the head. This may include the use of a drug to drop blood pressure or surgery to mend the broken vessel.
Another issue that you might have is the brain stroke surgery cost. This is very different, according to the hospital, the city, the nature of the surgery that is required and insurance coverage. The billing department of the hospital should be approached to provide the correct estimates.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
The process of recovery after a stroke is unique for all people. They will experience full or partial recovery and others might require long-term assistance.
The process includes rehabilitation, which is massive. It assists the patients in re-learning skills that they lost as a result of the damage to part of the brain.
- Physical Therapy: Aids in restoring strength and balance.
- Speech Therapy: Speech and swallowing problems.
- Occupational Therapy: Lectures on the new methods of managing everyday activities such as dressing and eating.
The brain stroke recovery time is unpredictable. It may take weeks, months or even years. Consistency and patience are some of the major elements towards improvement.
Prevention: Lowering Your Risk
Preventing a stroke is the most effective way of preventing them. It does not take much to make simple and healthy decisions to reduce your risk significantly.
a road
- Eat Healthy: Pay attention to fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Cut down on salt and bad fats, as this puts your blood pressure and cholesterol within manageable limits.
- Get Moving: Be sure to exercise at least 30 minutes (at least five days a week) of moderate activity such as brisk walking.
- Quit Smoking: This causes the blood vessels to be damaged and the blood to thicken. Some of the greatest things to do for your brain are to stop.
- Restrict Alcohol: alcohol will elevate the blood pressure.
Something little done today will save you from a stroke tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. Look for sudden confusion, trouble speaking or numbness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side.
Ans. Yes, sometimes it is dangerous. Immediate medical attention significantly increases the chances of survival and recovery.
Ans. The recovery time for this condition varies for everyone. Some people see improvements in weeks, while others may need rehabilitation for months or years.
Ans. Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure, which is one of the leading causes.
Ans. Medical care can be costly. The cost of surgery depends on the procedure’s complexity and the hospital, so check with your provider and insurance.
Ans. The best treatment depends on the stroke type. Clot-busting drugs work well for ischemic strokes if given within a few hours of the first symptoms.
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