What is a stroke?
Similar to a heart attack that cuts off the blood flow to the
heart, stroke is a brain attack that cuts off blood flow to the brain, the
body's most vital organ. When an artery in, or leading to, the brain becomes
clogged or ruptured, blood cannot reach brain cells. Deprived of the blood's
essential oxygen and nutrients, these cells die. As a result, functions that
were normally controlled by these cells become impaired, causing, for example,
paralysis or loss of speech or vision. Stroke is the third leading cause of
death in the United States (second for women) and the number one cause of
adult disability. About 80% of strokes are caused by blood clots that obstruct
circulation. A thrombotic stroke occurs when blood flow is blocked by a clot
formed in an artery in the head. An embolic stroke occurs when a small clot
forms elsewhere in the body (e.g., the heart) and gets stuck in an artery
leading to the brain. The other 20% of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes that
occur when an artery in the brain ruptures. This cuts off blood to some cells
and damages others from the pressure of the bleeding. These types of strokes
are more lethal, with a death rate of about 50%.
A medical emergency
During stroke, brain cells in the infarct, the immediate area
where stroke occurs, die quickly. When this happens, a chain reaction endangers
cells in the surrounding area of tissues in the penumbra. Every minute following
stroke affects the ability of damaged brain cells to recover. Proper diagnosis
and prompt medical attention improve the chances for survival and successful
recovery. Additionally, strokes may lead to other medical complications, like
cardiac arrhythmias, that need to be treated quickly. Therefore, recognition
of stroke symptoms - by the patient and emergency medical personnel - is critical.
Risk factors
Everyone is at risk for stroke. However, certain conditions increase
the risk, such as:
- Previous stroke or family history of stroke
- Previous transient ischemic attack (TIA), a brief stroke that has most symptoms
of a full stroke but lasts about 5 minutes)
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Carotid artery disease
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
Symptoms
Generally, people recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and obtain immediate
medical assistance. Stroke symptoms, however, are more subtle and often overlooked.
Recognizing these symptoms is very important to getting the quick diagnosis
and treatment that can save lives. The most common symptoms are:
- Numbness, pain, weakness or paralysis of face, arm or leg, especially on
one side of the body
- Sudden blurred or decreased vision
- Sudden headaches with no apparent cause
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech or writing
- Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Depression after a stroke
It is normal for a stroke victim to feel sad over the problems caused by a
stroke. Some people, however, experience severe depression, which should be
treated as soon as possible. If a stroke survivor has symptoms of depression,
professional help is needed immediately. Symptoms include:
- Feeling sad or blue
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Increase or decrease in appetite or weight
- Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering or making decisions
- Loss of energy or feeling tired
- Being anxious or worried
- Headaches and other aches
- Loss of interest in things that the person used to enjoy
- Feeling pessimistic or hopeless
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Be aware of the symptoms that may accompany a stroke and if symptoms occur,
seek professional care. If you or a family member has had a stroke, work with
your healthcare professional to maximize recovery.
