What is Stroke | Types of Stroke | Prevention of Stroke

Stroke, also known as brain attack, happens when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Disruption in blood circulation is caused when either a blood clot or piece of plaque blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues.

Types of Stroke

Strokes are categorized in three most important classifications:

                    1] Transient ischemic attack (TIA),

                    2] Ischemic Stroke, and

                    3] Hemorrhagic Stroke.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

A transient ischemic attack, also called a TIA or ministroke, appears when blood circulation to the brain is clogged temporarily. Symptoms, which are much like those of a full stroke, are typically non permanent and vanish after a couple of minutes or hours. A TIA is normally

due to a blood clot. It serves as a alert of a future stroke, so don’t neglect a TIA.

Ischemic Stroke

During an ischemic stroke, the arteries carrying blood to the brain narrow or turn into clogged. These blockages are generated by blood clots or blood circulation that’s severely decreased. They can also occur due to pieces of plaque because of of atherosclerosis breaking off and blocking a blood vessel.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain breaks open or leaks blood. The blood from that artery generates additional pressure in the skull and swells the brain, damaging brain cells and tissues.

Signs of Stroke

Facial weakness, arm weakness and trouble with speech are the most typical symptoms or signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs.

The following signs of stroke may happen alone or in collaboration:

• Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or each side of the body.
• Trouble talking or understanding. 
• Dizziness, loss in balance or an unexplained fall. 
• Loss in eyesight, sudden blurring or reduced vision in a single or both eyes.
• Head ache, generally severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches. 
• Difficulty swallowing. 

Diagnosis of Stroke

The initial step in examining a stroke patient is to determine whether the patient is experiencing a ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke so that the appropriate treatment can start. A CT scan or MRI of the head is usually the first test performed.

CT of the head: CT scanning brings together special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to generate multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. Physicians use CT of the head to identify a stroke from a blood clot or bleeding within the brain. To progress the identification and characterization of stroke, CT angiography ( CTA ) may be executed . In CTA, a contrast material may be injected intravenously and pictures are received of the cerebral blood vessels. Pictures that identify blood circulation, known as CT perfusion ( CTP ), may be received simultaneously . The combination of CT, CTA and CTP can help doctors make a decision on the best treatment for a patient experiencing a stroke.

MRI of the head: MRI uses a strong magnetic field, radio frequency pulses along with a computer to create detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. MR is furthermore used to image the cerebral vessels, a technique known as MR angiography ( MRA ). Pictures of blood flow are produced with a procedure known as MR perfusion ( MRP ). Physicians use MRI of the head to assess brain damage from a stroke.

Cerebral Angiography: Angiography is a medical test which is performed with among three imaging technologies- x-rays, CT or MRI, and in some cases a difference material, to create pictures of major blood vessels in the brain. Cerebral angiography helps doctors identify or confirm abnormalities such as a blood clot or narrowing of the arteries.

Prevention of Stroke:

Controlling High Blood Pressure

This is probably the most essential things you can do to decrease the stroke risk. If you’ve had a stroke, reducing the blood pressure can help prevent a subsequent TIA or Stroke.

Lowering the amount of Cholesterol

Consuming less Cholesterol and fat, particularly saturated fat and trans fats, may decrease the plaque in the arteries.

Quitting Tobacco Use

Smoking cigarettes increases the chance of stroke for smokers and nonsmokers exposed to second hand smoke. Giving up tobacco products lowers the risk of stroke.

Controlling Diabetes

It is possible to control diabetes with eating habits, exercise, weight control and medication.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

A diet plan containing five or more daily servings of fruits or vegetables may greatly reduce the threat of stroke. Following the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables and whole grains, may be very helpful.

Exercising Regularly

Aerobic or cardio exercise lowers the possibility of stroke in lots of ways. Exercise can can reduce the blood pressure, raise the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and develop the overall health of the blood vessels and heart. This also helps you lose weight, control diabetes and reduce stress.