Stroke : Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention and complications

• Written : Rabiu Rabiu (Dr. Cracker)
• Medically Reviewed : Aminu salisu MD
• Editor : Victoria Solomon (B.A English language)

• What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.

• How common is a stroke?

Strokes are very common. According to the CDC, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies from a stroke.

• Who does it affect?

Strokes can affect anyone at any age, but they are more common in older adults. The risk of stroke increases with age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Other risk factors for stroke include smoking, obesity, and a family history of stroke.

• How does a stroke affect my body?

The effects of a stroke depend on the part of the brain that is affected. Some common effects of stroke include:

• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking, maintaining balance, or coordination
• Dizziness or loss of coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden loss of consciousness

• What are the types of stroke?

There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

1. Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke and occur when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel leading to the brain.
2. Ischemic strokes can be further classified into two types:

• Thrombotic strokes: These strokes occur when a blood clot forms in a blood vessel that is already narrowed due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Embolic strokes: These strokes occur when a blood clot forms elsewhere in the body, such as in the heart or a major artery, and breaks off and travels to the brain.

• Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. Hemorrhagic strokes can be further classified into two types:

1. Intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs): These strokes occur when a blood vessel inside the brain ruptures.
2. Subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs): These strokes occur when a blood vessel on the surface of the brain ruptures.

• What are the symptoms of a stroke?

The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the part of the brain that is affected. Some common symptoms of stroke include:

• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking, maintaining balance, or coordination
• Dizziness or loss of coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden loss of consciousness

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, is a brief disruption of blood flow to the brain. TIAs can cause the same symptoms as a stroke, but they usually resolve within a few minutes.

TIAs are important because they are a warning sign that a stroke may be imminent. If you have had a TIA, it is important to see a doctor right away to assess your risk of stroke and develop a plan to reduce your risk.

• What causes a stroke?

Strokes can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Blood clots: Blood clots can form in a blood vessel leading to the brain or in the brain itself.
• Hemorrhages: A hemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel ruptures.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up on the walls of arteries, narrowing them and making them more likely to rupture.
• Heart problems: Some heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of stroke.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can damage blood vessels

• Related conditions

A number of medical conditions can increase your risk of having a stroke, including:

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. It can damage blood vessels and make them more likely to rupture or become blocked.
• High cholesterol: High cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis, which can narrow blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can damage blood vessels and make them more likely to rupture or become blocked.
• Heart disease: Some heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease, can increase the risk of stroke.
• Carotid artery stenosis: This condition is caused by a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
• Sickle cell anemia: This blood disorder can cause blood clots to form, which can lead to stroke.
• Migraine: People with migraines have an increased risk of stroke, especially if they have migraines with aura.
• Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including stroke.
• Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke.

• Is it contagious?

No, stroke is not contagious. It cannot be spread from person to person.

• How are strokes diagnosed?

Strokes are diagnosed based on a medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, can be used to visualize the brain and identify any areas of damage.

• What tests will be done to diagnose this condition?

The following tests may be done to diagnose a stroke:

1. Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to check for blood clots, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
2. Brain imaging tests: MRI and CT scans can be used to visualize the brain and identify any areas of damage.
3. Carotid artery duplex ultrasound: This test is used to assess the blood flow in the carotid arteries, which are the main arteries that supply blood to the brain.
4. Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It can be used to detect atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that increases the risk of stroke.

• How are strokes treated?

The treatment for a stroke depends on the type of stroke and its severity.

• Ischemic strokes: Ischemic strokes are usually treated with medications to break up blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain. In some cases, surgery or other procedures may be needed to remove the blood clot or widen the narrowed blood vessel.
• Hemorrhagic strokes: Hemorrhagic strokes are usually treated with medications to control bleeding and lower blood pressure. In some cases, surgery or other procedures may be needed to stop the bleeding or repair the ruptured blood vessel.

• What medications or treatments are used?

The following medications and treatments may be used to treat a stroke:

• Thrombolytic therapy: Thrombolytic therapy is a medication that is used to dissolve blood clots. It is usually given intravenously (into a vein) within a few hours of a stroke.
• Antihypertensive medications: Antihypertensive medications are used to lower blood pressure. They are important for preventing and treating strokes.
• Anticoagulant medications: Anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin and heparin, are used to thin the blood and prevent blood clots from forming. They are often used to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.
• Antiplatelet medications: Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, are used to prevent blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots. They are often used to prevent strokes in people with high cholesterol and other risk factors.
• Surgery: Surgery may be needed to remove a blood clot or widen a narrowed blood vessel in the brain. Surgery may also be needed to repair a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.

• How can I take care of myself or manage the symptoms?

If you have had a stroke, there are a number of things you can do to take care of yourself and manage your symptoms:

1. Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
2. Follow a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
3. Get regular exercise. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
4. Manage your stress. Stress can raise blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones.
5. Get enough sleep. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
6. See your doctor regularly. Your doctor can monitor your risk factors for stroke and help you make lifestyle changes

• How to reduce your risk of having a stroke or prevent them entirely

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of having a stroke, including:

1. Manage your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to get it under control.
2. Manage your cholesterol. High cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis, which can narrow blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke. If you have high cholesterol, work with your doctor to lower it.
3. Manage your diabetes. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and make them more likely to rupture or become blocked. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar levels.
4. Don't smoke. Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke.
5. Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
6. Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. It also helps to reduce stress and improve overall cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
7. Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. A healthy diet can help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.
8. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of stroke. If you are overweight or obese, work with your doctor to develop a plan to lose weight safely.

If you have a family history of stroke or other risk factors for stroke, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.

• Conclusion

Stroke is a serious medical condition, but it is preventable and treatable. If you think you may be having a stroke, call 911 immediately. With prompt treatment, many people can recover from a stroke and live long, healthy lives.

• References

1. World Health Organization: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113/
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm/
3. National Stroke Association: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htm/
4. Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113/
5. American Heart Association: https://www.strokeinformationnetwork.com/