A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted, either due to a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. This results in brain cells being deprived of oxygen and nutrients, causing them to die within minutes.
Strokes can have serious and often long-lasting effects on a person's health and well-being, including paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss, and cognitive impairments. The severity of a stroke depends on the extent and location of the brain damage, as well as how quickly medical treatment is provided. It's important to recognise the signs of a stroke and seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden vision changes, dizziness or loss of balance, or a severe headache.
There are two types of Stroke - Hemorrhagic and Ischemic , let's explain in greater detail .
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke is a less common type of stroke, responsible for 15% of Strokes, it occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue. This bleeding can damage the brain and cause a range of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the bleed.
There are two main types of hemorrhagic stroke: intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel inside the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. Subarachnoid haemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding in the space between the brain and the membranes that cover it.
Risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and the use of blood-thinning medications. Symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke may include sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, vision changes, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and loss of consciousness.
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked, preventing blood flow to a specific area of the brain. This can cause brain cells to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
There are two main types of ischemic stroke: thrombotic stroke and embolic stroke. Thrombotic stroke occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, usually due to a buildup of fatty deposits in the artery (atherosclerosis). Embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot forms elsewhere in the body (often in the heart) and travels to the brain, blocking a smaller blood vessel.
Risk factors for ischemic stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and a family history of stroke. Symptoms of an Ischemic stroke may include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech and sudden vision changes.
It's important to understand that the aftermath of both Strokes can be treat - and responds well to - Stroke Rehabilitation. To make the best recovery after Stroke, we recommend beginning a structured exercise programme, following clearance from your healthcare professional. For information on starting your rehabilitation, get in touch today via our Get in touch page.
Thank you for reading, we hope you found this insightful.
Bema Health.