Stroke

🧠 STROKE: The Brain Attack – A Comprehensive Medical Guide

⚡ What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die within minutes. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent disability or death.

🔴 Two Main Types of Stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke (87% of cases) – Caused by a blocked artery (clot)

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke (13%) – Caused by a ruptured blood vessel (bleeding in the brain)

📌 Key Fact: Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Early intervention saves brains!

🚨 Warning Signs of Stroke (BE FAST)

✅ Balance – Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination
✅ Eyes – Blurred or double vision
✅ Face – Drooping on one side (Ask the person to smile)
✅ Arms – Weakness/numbness (Can they raise both arms?)
✅ Speech – Slurred or strange words (Ask them to repeat a simple sentence)
✅ Time – Call emergency services IMMEDIATELY!

⚠️ Additional Symptoms:

• Sudden severe headache (“worst headache of my life”)

• Confusion or trouble understanding speech

• Loss of consciousness

🔍 Major Causes & Risk Factors

💡 Prevention Tip: Controlling hypertension reduces stroke risk by 48%!

🏥 Diagnosis & Emergency Treatment

1. Immediate Tests:

• CT Scan – Rules out bleeding (hemorrhage)

• MRI – Detects early ischemic changes

• Blood Tests – Check clotting time, glucose, cholesterol

2. Treatment by Stroke Type:

🟢 Ischemic Stroke:

• Clot-Busting Drugs (tPA) – Must be given within 4.5 hours

• Mechanical Thrombectomy – Removes clots via catheter (up to 24 hrs in select cases)

🔴 Hemorrhagic Stroke:

• Blood Pressure Control

• Surgery (Clipping/Coiling for aneurysms)

🟡 TIA (Mini-Stroke):

• Aspirin + Lifestyle changes to prevent full stroke

📉 Long-Term Complications

❌ Paralysis (Hemiplegia – one-sided weakness)
❌ Speech Problems (Aphasia)
❌ Memory Loss & Cognitive Decline
❌ Emotional Changes (Depression, mood swings)
❌ Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)

💊 Rehabilitation is CRUCIAL:

• Physical Therapy – Restores movement

• Speech Therapy – Improves communication

• Occupational Therapy – Regains daily skills

✅ How to Prevent a Stroke

✔ Control Blood Pressure (<120/80 mmHg ideal)
✔ Quit Smoking – Doubles stroke risk!
✔ Exercise Regularly – 30 mins/day, 5x/week
✔ Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet (Mediterranean diet)
✔ Limit Alcohol – Max 1 drink/day for women, 2 for men
✔ Manage Diabetes & Cholesterol

🔬 Latest Advances in Stroke Care

• AI-Powered Stroke Detection (Faster scans)

• Neuroprotective Drugs (Under research)

• Stem Cell Therapy (Experimental for recovery)

• TeleStroke Programs (Remote specialist consults)

🎯 Key Takeaway

“Time = Brain! Every minute untreated, 1.9 million neurons die. Recognizing stroke symptoms and acting FAST can save lives and reduce disability.”

📌 Need a stroke risk assessment or prevention plan? Consult a neurologist today!

---