Overview

When blood flow to a portion of the brain is abruptly cut off or reduced, it can result in a stroke, a dangerous medical condition. Without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, brain cells start to die in a matter of minutes. There are primarily two types of strokes: hemorrhagic stroke, which is brought on by bleeding in the brain, and ischemic stroke, which is brought on by a blocked blood vessel. A third kind is transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a warning sign but only lasts a short while. Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and needs to be treated right away.

Symptoms
Common symptoms of stroke appear suddenly and may include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, blurred or lost vision, dizziness, loss of balance, and a severe headache with no known cause. Facial drooping and trouble raising one arm are also key warning signs.

Causes
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke), disrupting blood supply to brain tissue. Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots or narrowed arteries, often because of high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or high cholesterol. Hemorrhagic strokes result from ruptured blood vessels due to uncontrolled hypertension, aneurysms, or head injury.

Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose stroke using a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests. CT scans and MRI scans help identify the type and location of the stroke. Blood tests, an ECG, and an ultrasound of the blood vessels may also be performed to determine the cause and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of stroke and how quickly the patient is transported to the nearest medical facility. Ischemic strokes are usually treated with clot-dissolving medications or procedures to remove the clot and restore blood flow. Hemorrhagic strokes may require medications to control bleeding or surgery to repair damaged vessels. After emergency treatment, rehabilitation plays a crucial role and may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of future strokes.
Patients who have suffered a stroke require special care and monitoring. If any of the symptoms are experienced, it is advised to visit your nearest healthcare facility.