A stroke is a serious medical issue that can have a major impact on your brain. Having a better understanding of what happens during a stroke is crucial, as it highlights the importance of getting medical assistance as soon as possible.
Strokes are broken into two categories:
Ischemic Strokes
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel within the brain becomes obstructed, which can result from fatty deposits or blood clots. Ischemic strokes are the most common type of strokes.
Haemorrhagic Strokes
It is also possible for a blood vessel within the brain to burst, which is known as a haemorrhagic stroke. These strokes can cause a dangerous increase in pressure inside the brain.
In both cases, strokes put your brain at risk of oxygen loss in the area that has affected. Oxygen is crucial for the brain, and without it, there is a risk that parts of the brain will cease to function.
What Should You Do If Someone Is Having a Stroke?
Cells in the brain can begin to die within minutes of oxygen being cut off, which means you must seek emergency medical attention as soon as symptoms occur. You can determine whether a person may be experiencing a stroke by using the FAST protocol:
Remember that a stroke is a serious medical emergency and every second counts when it comes to getting treatment. You should still call for help even if you are not completely sure whether a stroke is actually occurring. The sooner medical treatment is provided, the better the chance of full recovery.