Stroke
Also known as: Cerebrovascular accident, CVA, Brain attack
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. There are two main types: ischemic stroke caused by a blocked artery, and hemorrhagic stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel. Stroke is a medical emergency where every minute of delay in treatment increases the risk of permanent brain damage or death.
At a Glance
- Common symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech, Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Main treatments
- IV thrombolytics (tPA) within 4.5 hours for ischemic stroke, Mechanical thrombectomy to remove clots in large vessel occlusions, Blood pressure management for hemorrhagic stroke
- Category
- Cardiovascular · Nearly 800,000 people in the US have a stroke each year; it is a leading cause of death and disability
- See a doctor if
- Any sudden onset of FAST symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services
Symptoms
Causes
- Blood clot blocking an artery to the brain (ischemic stroke)
- Rupture of a blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke)
- Atrial fibrillation causing blood clots that travel to the brain
- Atherosclerosis narrowing the brain's blood vessels
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and atrial fibrillation
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Obesity and physical inactivity
Diagnosis
- CT scan of the brain to distinguish ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke
- MRI for detailed brain imaging
- CT angiography to identify blocked blood vessels
- Blood tests to assess clotting and blood sugar
- Echocardiogram to evaluate the heart as a source of clots
Treatment
- IV thrombolytics (tPA) within 4.5 hours for ischemic stroke
- Mechanical thrombectomy to remove clots in large vessel occlusions
- Blood pressure management for hemorrhagic stroke
- Surgical intervention for severe hemorrhagic stroke
- Rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Long-term medications to prevent recurrence
Prevention
- Controlling high blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes
- Managing diabetes and cholesterol levels
- Quitting smoking
- Regular physical exercise
- Anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation
When to See a Doctor
- Any sudden onset of FAST symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services
- Sudden severe headache unlike any experienced before
- Sudden vision changes or trouble walking
- Any symptoms even if they resolve, as this may indicate a TIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Conditions
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