Brain attack (Stroke)

85% of strokes are Ischemic (blocked artery), while 15% are Hemorrhagic (burst vessel).

What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving tissue of oxygen. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.

"Time is Brain": Immediate treatment is crucial. For every minute a stroke is left untreated, the average patient loses 1.9 million neurons.

Symptoms: The F.A.S.T. Test

🚑 CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SEE:

• F - Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
• A - Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
• S - Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?
• T - Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Note the time symptoms started.

Types of Stroke

1. Ischemic Stroke (The "Clog")

The most common type (85%). An artery supplying the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot.

• Thrombotic: A clot forms in an artery that is already narrowed by plaque (atherosclerosis).
• Embolic: A clot forms elsewhere (usually the heart) and travels to the brain.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke (The "Bleed")

A blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. High blood pressure and aneurysms are leading causes.

3. TIA (The "Mini-Stroke")

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a temporary blockage. Symptoms last less than 5 minutes and cause no permanent damage, but it is a massive warning sign that a full stroke is coming soon.

Risk Factors & Disparities

Stroke does not affect all groups equally. Genetics and systemic factors play a role.

• High Blood Pressure: The #1 controllable risk factor.
• Race: African Americans have a risk of first-time stroke that is nearly twice as high as that of Caucasians. They are also more likely to die from stroke.
• Age: Risk doubles every decade after age 55.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, obesity, and diabetes significantly increase risk.

Diagnosis

Doctors must quickly determine if the stroke is Ischemic or Hemorrhagic (treatment for one can be fatal for the other).

• CT Scan: The first test done in the ER to rule out bleeding.
• MRI: To detect damaged brain tissue.
• Carotid Ultrasound: To check for fatty deposits in the neck arteries.

Treatment

Treatment depends entirely on the type of stroke.

For Ischemic Stroke (Clots)

• tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator): The "clot-buster" drug. It must be given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
• Mechanical Thrombectomy: A catheter is threaded into the brain to physically remove the clot.

For Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleeds)

• Surgical Clipping/Coiling: To stop an aneurysm from bleeding.
• Medication: To lower intracranial pressure and blood pressure. Note: Blood thinners and tPA are strictly avoided here.

Prevention

80% of strokes are preventable.

• Control Blood Pressure: Keep it under 120/80.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking thickens blood and increases plaque buildup.
• Manage Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): This irregular heart rhythm can cause clots to travel to the brain.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.