Almost 800,000 people each year either experience a stroke or have a recurring one. It’s the fifth leading cause of death along with the second deadliest disease in America. There are 3 types of strokes: Hemorrhagic stroke(bleeds), Transient Ischemic Attack(TIA), and Ischemic stroke(clots). Each stroke has different causes. All of these types are dangerous but 80 percent of them can be prevented.
Ischemic stroke is the most common. There are two common carotid arteries which give blood supply. These arteries are located on the side of our necks. The external carotid artery provides blood to the face, neck, and scalp. While the internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain. When the right common carotid artery creates atherosclerotic plaque, this reduces blood flow in the internal carotid artery. Atherosclerosis is a disease when plaque builds up inside your arteries. So when the plaque bursts this causes tiny pieces of plaque and clotted blood to travel in the bloodstream to the brain. Resulting into the brain tissue being affected by blockage, making blood flow to the brain stop. The prognosis with this stroke is very positive with the right treatment. Your doctor may prescribe you a clot bursting drug called Iv Alteplase. To receive this you must be diagnosed with ischemic stroke. In another case, people with blood clots in larger arteries will be given a procedure called thrombectomy. This removes the clot in the artery or vein.
Hemorrhagic Stroke is least common but results in about 40 percent of stroke deaths. This stroke is commonly caused by high blood pressure. There are also two types of hemorrhagic strokes; subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. This can occur when either you have a brain aneurysm or a weakened vessel leaks. A brain aneurysm is when a weak spot in the brains artery wall “balloons” or creates a bulge and fills with blood. Subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when the cerebral artery aneurysms cause subarachnoid bleeding. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurs when the brain arteries burst and bleed deep into the brain tissue. This causes intracerebral bleeding. The treatment for this stroke depends on the severity. This also requires medications and a medical procedure such as blood flow tests. The tests give information about the arteries in your head. Surgery is rarely needed. Also, therapy for refreshing to improve physical functioning. The prognosis is less positive than ischemic stroke because the hemorrhage stroke increases complications such as the spasms.
Transient Ischemic attacks are often called “mini strokes”. This still puts you at high-risk for a full blown stroke and should be taken very seriously. Transient ischemic attacks mimic stroke like symptoms. Weakness in the face and numbness on one side of the body, dizziness, sudden headache, and slurred speech. The difference between an attack and stroke, is the clot blocks the artery temporarily and the blood flow returns on its own. A detailed assessment of the symptoms is critical in diagnosing the cause of the TIA and decide on a method of treatment. Your doctor will evidently do physical examination and tests. The most common cause of TIA is high cholesterol so your doctor may do a carotid ultrasound. It includes a wand like device that sends high frequency waves into your neck. When the waves pass through the doctor is able to see images to look for clotting or narrowing in the arteries. The prognosis is good if you take immediate action. When your doctor determines the cause treatment may include medications and surgery. If it is severe enough your doctor may recommend carotid endarterectomy. Which gets rids of the fatty deposits and plaque before another TIA occurs.
There are nearly 7 million Stroke survivors in the US. A stroke can happen to anyone and having family history of stroke increases your chances for stroke. But 80 percent of these can be prevented with daily life choices. Eat fruits and vegetables and maintain a healthy weight. These foods contain important nutrients which may stop TIA or stroke. Limit your cholesterol and fat intake. Doing this will reduce plaque buildup in your arteries. Don’t smoke. Smoking raises your blood pressure contributes to development of atherosclerosis.
Strokes are life threatening, so experiencing any symptoms should be taken seriously and result in consulting with your doctor.