Stroke in Brain: Its 3 Types and What You Should Know!

A brain stroke, also known as a "brain attack," happens when the brain’s blood supply is either blocked or when a blood vessel bursts. The brain cells begin to die, and depending on the area affected, a stroke can lead to the loss of various bodily functions. The quicker you act, the better the chances of recovery. Understanding stroke symptoms and getting to a hospital without delay can make a significant difference. While strokes can happen to anyone, there are ways to minimise the risk.

Types of Brain Strokes

There are three main types of brain strokes:

1. Ischemic Stroke

This is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain, causing a reduction in blood flow. The clot may form in the brain or travel from another part of the body, such as the heart.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke

This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding. The bleeding puts pressure on the surrounding brain tissue, leading to severe damage. Hemorrhagic strokes can be caused by conditions like high blood pressure, aneurysms, or head trauma.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Often referred to as a "mini-stroke," a TIA occurs when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Though the symptoms are similar to an ischemic stroke, they last only a few minutes to hours and do not cause permanent damage. However, TIAs are warning signs for a future stroke and should not be ignored.

Common Causes of Brain Stroke

Let’s take a look at brain stroke causes:

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The leading cause of stroke.
2. Heart Disease: Particularly atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of clot formation.
3. Diabetes: Can damage blood vessels and increase stroke risk.
4. Smoking: Damages blood vessels and increases clot formation.
5. Obesity: Increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
6. High Cholesterol: Contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, restricting blood flow.
7. Age and Family History: The risk of stroke increases with age, especially after 55. A family history of stroke can also increase your risk.
8. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of stroke.
9. Excessive Alcohol Use: Drinking heavily increases blood pressure and contributes to stroke risk.

Symptoms of Brain Stroke

Recognising the signs of a stroke can save lives. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.
• Severe headache with no known cause, which may indicate a hemorrhagic stroke.

If you or someone around you displays these symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

Diagnosing a Brain Stroke

When a stroke is suspected, doctors will typically perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• Physical and Neurological Exam: To check for signs of a stroke and assess the severity.
• CT Scan: To identify whether the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.
• MRI: Helps identify the exact location and extent of brain damage.
• Blood Tests: To check for underlying causes, such as high cholesterol or clotting disorders.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check for irregular heartbeats that may have caused the stroke.

Treatment Options for Brain Stroke

Brain stroke treatment options depend on the type and the time since symptoms first appeared:

1. For Ischemic Stroke

• Thrombolytic Therapy (Clot-Busting Drugs): Given within a few hours of the stroke’s onset to dissolve the clot.
• Mechanical Thrombectomy: A procedure to physically remove the clot.
• Antiplatelet and Anticoagulants: To prevent further clots from forming.

2. For Hemorrhagic Stroke

• Surgery: To repair the ruptured blood vessel and stop the bleeding.
• Clipping or Coiling: Used to treat brain aneurysms that may have caused the bleeding.
• Medications: To control blood pressure and prevent further bleeding.

3. Rehabilitation

• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy: After the stroke is stabilised, rehabilitation helps patients regain lost functions.

Conclusion

A stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to severe consequences if not treated immediately. By recognising brain stroke symptoms early and seeking treatment, you can improve your chances of recovery. It is also important to address risk factors through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, quitting smoking, and managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Moreover, having health insurance that covers stroke-related treatments can provide peace of mind and financial protection, ensuring access to the best medical care when needed.

With Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, you can find comprehensive health insurance policies that offer coverage for stroke treatment, including hospitalisation, surgery, and rehabilitation.

FAQs

How is a brain stroke diagnosed?

A brain stroke is diagnosed through a physical exam, CT scan, MRI, and other tests like blood work and ECG.

What can I expect during recovery?

Recovery depends on the type of stroke and the extent of brain damage. You may need rehabilitation therapies to regain lost functions.

Are there any specific risk factors for brain strokes?

Yes, risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

What is the importance of quick action during a stroke?

Quick action can help prevent brain damage and improve recovery chances. The sooner you seek medical help, the better the outcome.

What lifestyle changes can help prevent strokes?

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, quitting smoking, managing blood pressure, and controlling cholesterol levels can all reduce stroke risk.

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