Strokes, whether ischemic or hemorrhaging, happen when blood flow to the brain is temporarily cut off or greatly reduced. Because blood carries oxygen, when your brain doesn’t get enough blood, it also doesn’t get enough oxygen. When this happens, even briefly, it can result in serious and life-threatening damage.
To function properly, your brain requires a constant supply of blood. With it, blood carries oxygen and vital nutrients that your body can’t live without. Therefore, if this supply is cut off for minutes or even a few seconds, it sometimes results in death. In situations where the victim doesn’t die from a stroke, the lack of blood flow can sometimes cause irreparable damage.
Because of the effect that strokes have on your mind and body, there are many signs and symptoms that accompany them.
Many of the symptoms typical of a stroke are quickly recognizable and extremely dangerous. If you suspect that you or someone you love is experiencing a stroke, you should go to the emergency room immediately or call your doctor. Strokes also present a risk to people around you if you’re operating a vehicle or piece of machinery.
Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain gets cut off. Depending on the type of stroke you’re having, ischemic or hemorrhaging, several possible causes and risk factors exist.
There are several lifestyle choices people make that put them at higher risk of suffering a stroke. People who smoke, drink heavily, are overweight, use illegal drugs, or don’t exercise regularly are at higher risk of having a stroke than others.
The most common reason that people have strokes has to do with medical complications. Individuals with atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, or heart defects have more potential for stroking than others. Additionally, those with high blood pressure, too many red blood cells, high cholesterol, and a history of heart disease are all at increased risk of suffering a stroke.
In addition to other medical complications, blood clots are the most common cause of ischemic strokes.
There are several additional risk factors. If your family has a history of strokes, you’re a male, African American, or over the age of 55, you’re at higher risk of having a stroke.
Your doctor will be able to diagnose a stroke using a series of tests, a physical exam, and by taking a complete health history. Here are the tests your doctor may use.
A CT scan is the best test to check for a stroke. It will show if there has been too much or too little blood flow to the brain.
An MRI will evaluate your brain and whether or not it’s been affected by a stroke.
Blood tests will determine your red blood cell count, blood sugar levels, and other important details.
An ultrasound will show if there’s a buildup of fatty deposits in your blood and arteries.
Strokes can be a one-time thing or an ongoing issue. Either way, however, there’s no cure for a stroke. Once it’s happened, you can do nothing to instantly repair the damage. However, with medical treatment, physical therapy, and certain medications, you can recover from a stroke and the damage it causes.