What is a Stroke?

There are two primary types of strokes, including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes occur when there is a paucity of blood supply to the brain, which depletes oxygen and key nutrients necessary for the brain to function. This leads to the degradation of brain cells, which can have significant long-term consequences on an individual. In the meantime, hemorrhagic strokes occur when there is a brain hemorrhage, or in other terms, blood vessels in the brain break, causing an accumulation of blood in the brain that increases pressure and leads to brain cell damage as well.

To identify whether you or someone around you has a stroke, look for the following symptoms:

• Inability to comprehend speech

• Sudden numbness in body parts (including the inability to raise both of one's arms or mouth to stay firm)

• Reduced, double, or blurred vision

• Headache, vomiting, or dizziness

• Reduced coordination (difficulty in walking properly)

When you notice these initial symptoms, you must remember the acronym FAST.

• F stands for face. Check if the person's face is drooping or paralyzed.

• A stands for arms. Check if the person can still move both arms.

• S stands for speech. Is the person able to repeat a phrase word-by-word without slurring?

• T stands for time. If you notice any of the symptoms above, you must prioritize acting quickly by calling for emergency medical guidance.

There are various underlying causes of stroke and risk factors that can increase the possibility of its occurrence. For ischemic strokes---the most frequent type of stroke---, fatty deposits, blood clots, or debris blood vessels accumulate in the brain's blood vessels, leading to the constriction of blood flow through these vessels (a condition referred to as ischemia, and hence, the name ischemic stroke). Since risk factors like obesity, having a sedentary lifestyle, excess drinking, or consumption of illegal drugs can all lead to the narrowing or blocking of blood vessels, individuals must be wary of what they consume and are exposed to. Hemorrhagic strokes are typically caused by high blood pressure, head trauma, protein deposits in blood vessels, or ischemic strokes. Hence, individuals must manage hypertension with medicine, a diet without excess cholesterol or saturated fat, and nearly 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

Current medications for strokes include anti-platelet drugs and anticoagulants. To start, platelets are types of cells that are responsible for blood clot formation. Hence, anti-platelet drugs like Plavix (for individuals who have experienced minor strokes) or Ticagrelor are effective in decreasing the chance of blood clot formation in blood vessels. Likewise, anticoagulants, also called blood-thinning medications, prevent blood clotting. The most common anticoagulants are Heparin, which is often used as a quickly effective response in hospitals, and warfarin with a slower yet powerful effect.

I hope this article taught you more about the mechanism behind strokes, along with symptoms, causes, potential preventative measures, and medications for stroke. By understanding the initial signs of strokes and how to act accordingly, you may one day be able to help a fellow human in need, which I believe is the ultimate goal of medicine.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113

Cover photo via Hamilton Health Sciences

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 Originally published at themedtales.com