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What is Stroke?
A stroke is a life-threatening event that occurs when part of the brain is not receiving enough oxygen. This may be caused by either a prolonged lack of oxygen-rich blood to the brain (cerebral ischemia) or bleeding into or around the brain (cerebral hemorrhage).
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or becomes blocked. Once a stroke occurs, part of the brain does not receive enough blood and the brain cells die due to the lack of blood. The damage cause by a stroke can result in permanent brain damage or even death. However, damaged brain cells do not die immediately. They can stay alive in a compromised state for several hours, therefore with timely treatment, these cells may be saved.
For many stroke victims, prompt treatment and follow-up care may protect these brain cells and help them lead healthier, more productive lives. To minimize the damage of a stroke, victims must seek treatment immediately. It is vital that treatment be administered within
three (3) hours from the onset of a stroke. It is a challenge for medical personnel to treat the patient as quickly as possible to avoid permanent tissue damage or death, while racing against the clock to re-establish blood flow to the brain.
Immediate treatment after the onset of a stroke can result in little
visible damage, but a stroke left untreated for too long can result in
neurological and tissue damage (such as paralysis or permanent loss of speech), paralysis or
even death.
Types of Stroke
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An ischemic stroke is caused by a reduction in blood flow to the brain. This can
be caused by a blockage or narrowing in an artery that supplies
blood to the brain or when the blood flow is reduced because of a
heart or other condition.
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A hemorrhagic
stroke develops when an artery in the brain leaks or bursts and
causes bleeding inside the brain tissue or near the surface of the
brain.
Transient Ischemic
Attack(TIA)
A warning sign of stroke is
often evident when someone experiences a transient ischemic attack.
This occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily
reduced or blocked, often caused by a blood clot. Symptoms of a TIA
are the same as a stroke, however, after a few minutes, blood flow is
restored and the symptoms do go away without significant or any
permanent damage. With a stroke, the damage to the brain can be
permanent because the blood flow is not restored.
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