According to the National Stroke Association, strokes are the third leading cause of death and disability in the United States, while 80% are preventable. A stroke is when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing damage and brain cell death. If you or anyone you know has symptoms of a stroke, it is important to get immediate medical attention, evaluation and treatment to prevent complications, disability or death.
Clogging of a Vessel
According to the American Stroke Association, 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes. In an ischemic stroke, a blood vessel becomes clogged, blocking blood flow to a portion of the brain. This occurs because of fatty deposits, or atherosclerosis. According to the American Stroke Association, a cerebral thrombosis is when a clot develops in the clogged part of the vessel. If a clot dislodges and goes into another part of the circulatory system, it is called a cerebral embolism. Symptoms of a stroke come on suddenly and the National Stroke Association reports the following are symptoms of a stroke: numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body); confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; and severe headache with no known cause.
Ruptured Vessel
A hemorrhagic stroke is when a vessel ruptures or breaks and there is bleeding into the brain. Approximately 13 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes reports the American Stroke Association. According to the National Stroke Association, symptoms of a hemorrhagic stroke include loss of consciousness; vomiting or severe nausea; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; and sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Transient Ischemic Attack
A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is when blood vessels in the brain are blocked for a short period of time. The National Stroke Association reports that TIAs are caused by low blood flow at a narrow part of a major artery, a blood clot that breaks off from another part of the circulatory system, or a narrowing of the small blood vessels in the brain. The symptoms of a TIA last for less than 24 hours. A TIA indicates that the person is at high risk for stroke; therefore, quick management and treatment are necessary. Symptoms of a TIA come on suddenly and include the following according to the National Stroke Association: numbness or weakness, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, trouble seeing, trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance.
