Details of Brain Stroke

It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds or when there is some disruption with blood circulation to the brain. When blood or oxygen circulation is disrupted or reduced, brain cells start dying.

There are two main types:

Ischemic stroke: It occurs when the brain's blood vessels become narrowed causing high reduction of blood circulation.

Hemorrhagic stroke: It occurs when blood vessels in the brain rupture.

May include:

• Severe headache
• Seizures
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in vision
• Tingling or numbness
• Difficulty in speaking
• Difficulty in writing or reading
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Hand tremors
• Loss of balance
• Loss of consciousness

May include:

• Injury or trauma
• Cerebral aneurysm
• Blood thinners
• High blood pressure
• Chronic disease

May be recommended:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests like CT, MRI & X-rays
• Carotid ultrasound
• Cerebral angiogram
• Echocardiogram

Treatment options for Ischemic stroke:

Medications: Antiplatelet and anticoagulants and clot-breaking drugs are often prescribed at earliest.

Mechanical thrombectomy: During the procedure, A catheter is inserted into the large blood vessel inside the head and then this catheter is used to drain the clot within 24 hours of the stroke.

Stents: It is performed to inflate the affected artery.

Surgery: It is performed to remove the blood clots from the artery. This may be executed with catheter in case of small clots or open surgery if it is big clot.

Treatment options for Hemorrhagic stroke:

Medications: Sometimes, drugs are prescribed that can reduce blood pressure, prevent seizures and constriction.

Coiling: It is done to install a coil-like device in the area of affected artery. This stops blood circulation to the area.

Clamping: It is performed to prevent additional bleeding through placing a tiny clamp at the base of aneurysm.

Surgery: It is performed to clip the aneurysm to prevent additional bleeding. At the same time craniotomy may be required to relieve the pressure.

Which may increase the risks:

• Being physically inactive
• Being overweight
• Excessive drink
• Drugs and cocaine
• Age, race, sex

If left untreated:

• Paralysis
• Loss of brain function
• Stroke
• Death