INTRODUCTION.
A stroke occurs when a blockage or bleed of the blood vessels either interrupts or reduces the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain. When this happens, the brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients, and brain cells start to die. Ig is usually rapid in onset without warning.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
Each type of stroke has a different set of potential causes. Generally, however, stroke is more likely to affect a person if they:
TYPES OF STROKE
1. Ischemic stroke
This type of stroke occurs due to blockages or narrowing in the arteries that provide blood to the brain. This leads to death (ischemia) of brain cells on the affected part of the brain. It can also severely reduced blood flow, which damages brain cells.
Clots can form within the brain arteries or other parts of the body and carried via the blood vessels into the brain. The clots may flow freely in other blood vessel because of their sizes compared to some tiny vessels within the brain. Fatty plaque deposits within the arteries can also cause clots that result in ischemia.
2. HAEMORRHAGIC STROKE
Leaky or burst arteries in the brain can give rise to hemorrhagic strokes. Leaked blood puts pressure on brain cells and damages them. It also reduces the blood supply that can reach the brain tissue after the hemorrhage.
Blood vessels can burst and spill blood into the brain or near the surface of the brain. This may also send blood into the space between the brain and the skull.
Having hypertension, experiencing physical trauma, taking blood-thinning medications, and having an aneurysm can all make a blood vessel leak or burst.
3. TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC STROKE (TIA)
TIA’s only briefly interrupt the flow of blood to the brain leading to shortage of oxygen supply. Transient ischemic stroke similar to ischemic strokes, in that it usually occur due to impact of blood clots(s).
People should treat them as medical emergencies, even if the symptoms are usually temporary and resolves completely. They serve as warning signs for future strokes. These people have a higher chance of having a full blown stroke.
SYMPTOMS OF STROKE
The occurrence of a stroke often appear without prior notice in most cases. However, some patients may have had a form of stroke called Transient ischemic stroke (TIH) which could be a pointer of the possibility of full blown stroke in the nearest future if care is not taken.
“FAST” is a cool way to remember this symptoms of stroke.
DIAGNOSIS.
Stroke usually occur in a rapid manner. To get the best possible results or outcome, it is good for the patient to present to the healthcare facility early after the stroke occurrence.
TREATMENT
Because ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes have different causes and effects on human body. Therefore treatment or management of either of them differs with few similarities.
CONCLUSION: Stroke is a life threatening condition and it’s aftermath can be devastating. Prevention is the best therapy.