Basics Of A Stroke: What Causes A Stroke

Stroke is a condition in which the brain loses its ability to perform one or more of its normal functions. This happens when a portion of the brain tissue dies, a circumstance that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures or becomes blocked. The symptoms experienced by the patient depend on the area of the brain that suffers the stroke. The outcomes are unpredictable. Some people will lose sensation on one side of their bodies; others may become unable to speak; and still others will become partially paralyzed.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the condition, explaining the factors that cause it, and describing many of the symptoms that surface following the event. We’ll also take a look at how it is treated as well as what to expect afterward.

Two Types Of Stroke: Blockage And Bleeding

There are two kinds of stroke, though one of them can be broken down into categories. The first type is an ischemic stroke. This occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching a part of the brain. The cells of the brain die quickly unless blood flow is restored.

The second type is called a hemorrhagic stroke. Instead of becoming blocked, the blood vessel ruptures. The brain tissue becomes flooded, and blood flow to the area supplied by the ruptured vessel declines.

There are two types of ischemic stroke, both of which are classified based on how the blockage occurs. The event is considered embolic when the material causing the obstruction – typically, a blood clot – arrives in the vessel from elsewhere in the body. The event is thrombotic if the material forms at the site of the blockage.

Common Symptoms Of Stroke

Side effects are unpredictable because the brain controls so many motor and cognitive functions. That said, doctors can often determine which of the four lobes of the brain has been affected by observing the patient. This is because most functions are handled by precise areas within particular lobes.

For example, a stroke that occurs in the frontal lobe may cause paralysis, incontinence, and an inability to solve problems. If the occipital lobe is affected, the patient may experience problems with his or her vision. The temporal and parietal lobes likewise control specific functions.

Other common side effects include numbness, difficult speaking, and sudden confusion. Sometimes, these symptoms disappear shortly after the event. Other times, they last for years, and can even become permanent. The deciding factors are the extent of damage suffered by the brain tissue, and how much time passed before blood flow was restored.

How A Stroke Is Treated

Treatment options depend on the type of stroke. If a blood vessel has ruptured, and the patient has slipped into a coma, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to aid in breathing. If the hemorrhage causes pressure to increase in the brain, medications may be given to help reduce it. Surgery is then performed to repair the ruptured vessel.

If the blood vessel is blocked, anticoagulation and thrombolytic drugs may be given. The former prevents the formation of additional blood clots. The latter causes existing clots to dissolve. Unfortunately, while thrombolytic drugs are effective, they can cause profuse bleeding. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove a clot.

What To Expect After Treatment

After a stroke survivor has been treated, he or she will need to undergo rehabilitation. This is a process during which the patient regains lost functions, or learns to compensate for those that cannot be regained. Depending on the type of side effects that surface, rehabilitation may involve working with a physical therapist as well as speech and occupational therapists.

Most survivors require several weeks of rehab before they can function well enough to complete their daily routines. Without it, recovery is much more difficult.

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