An incident of cerebral vascular accident (CVA), also known as a stroke, occurs when oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the brain. It can occur due to a clot in one of the brain’s blood vessels or from bleeding in the brain. Either of these can result in the brain cells dying, causing brain damage.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about brain stroke treatment.
Types of Brain Strokes
A brain stroke may be classified into two main types – ischemic and hemorrhagic.
A stroke caused by an ischemic condition occurs when the blood supply to the brain gets blocked, usually by the formation of a clot. It can happen either in the arteries leading directly to the brain or in smaller vessels further away from the brain.
Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by the rupture of blood vessels inside the brain. It can happen for several reasons, including high blood pressure, an injury, or a condition called an aneurysm.
Ischemic strokes account for about 87% of brain strokes and are much more common than hemorrhagic strokes. However, hemorrhagic strokes are often more severe because they can lead to widespread damage to the brain.
Causes of Brain Strokes
Different factors can contribute to causing a brain stroke. Some of the more common causes include:
- Atherosclerosis
In this condition, plaque can build up on the walls of arteries, making them narrow and causing difficulty for blood to flow freely. It can lead to clots forming and eventually causing a stroke.
- High Blood Pressure
It puts extra strain on blood vessels and can cause them to weaken and rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain.
- Weight
Although being overweight is not the cause of brain stroke, it is a significant factor. Being heavy means you have extra body fat, which can strain the heart and blood vessels, thereby damaging them. When these vessels are damaged, it can cause a blockage in the flow of blood to the brain, ultimately leading to a brain stroke.
- Diabetes
There is a heightened risk of stroke in people with high blood sugar levels. There is a significant risk of brain ischemia in people with diabetes due to the damage done to their blood vessels. Therefore, if you suffer a stroke due to high blood sugar, the damage to the brain is more severe.
- Heart diseases
The cause of strokes in the brain may be related to defects in the heart valves, atrial fibrillation, and erratic heartbeats. Estimates show that one-fourth of strokes among the elderly are caused by conditions such as irregular heartbeats.
- Tobacco
Tobacco is a leading cause of brain strokes. It is the primary cause of three out of every four cases of ischemic stroke—the most common type of stroke—and is also a major contributing factor to hemorrhagic stroke.
Smoking causes damage to blood vessels and increases the risk of blockages that can lead to a stroke. Furthermore, cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals that damage the lining of blood vessels, increasing their likelihood of developing fatty deposits called plaque.
- Medications
Many medications can cause brain strokes, such as blood thinners, birth control pills, and certain heart medications. When these medications are not taken properly, they can cause the blood to become too thin and unable to clot properly, leading to a brain stroke.
Symptoms
Brain strokes can have several symptoms, depending on which part of the brain is affected. A stroke is often characterized by a sudden loss of strength or paralysis on one side of the body. You can also feel numbness or tingling on that side.
Other symptoms may include: disorientation, trouble speaking or comprehending speech, difficulty seeing in either or both eyes, inability to walk, dizziness, and headache. You may also experience changes in mood or behavior after a brain stroke.
Treatment
There are many treatments for brain strokes, depending on the type and severity of the stroke.
For ischemic stroke treatment, doctors may give the patient a clot-busting drug or surgery to remove the clot. For hemorrhagic stroke treatment, doctors may need surgery to repair the damaged blood vessel or remove any excess blood around the brain.
Recovery from a brain stroke can be difficult, and it may take months or even years to regain full function. Thus, doctors recommend physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help patients recover their lost skills.
Prevention
Several factors can help you reduce the risk of a brain stroke, such as a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking, and managing your blood pressure.
However, if you think you may be having a stroke, you must seek medical help immediately. It is important because your chances of recovery can significantly improve with early diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
You must be aware of the warning signs of a brain stroke to act quickly if you or someone you know experiences them. Brain strokes can be devastating and even fatal, so it is crucial to get medical help as soon as possible. With the proper stroke treatment, however, you can make a full recovery.
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