Stroke cuts off blood supply to the brain often because of a blood clot that clogs the arteries. Clots that block blood flow are called ischemic stroke. Another kind of stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts, causing a hemorrhagic stroke from bleeding. When the brain doesn't get its necessary blood and oxygen, cells die within minutes and can no longer control parts of the body. Damage can be temporary or permanent.
Identification
When stroke destroys the nerve cells, they are unable to communicate with other cells, causing function loss in parts of the body, the Cleveland Clinic explains. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, difficulty understanding or speaking, inability to see in one or both eyes, loss of balance or coordination, and severe headache. Long-term effects of a stroke include inability to move parts of the body, weakness or numbness in parts of the body, loss of speech or vision, memory loss or difficulty swallowing.
Function
Ischemic stroke is the most common type, according to the American Heart Association. A blood clot forms and blocks blood flow in an artery. The clots are usually the result of cholesterol or fatty buildup in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The process narrows the arteries and increases the risk of clot formation.
Fibrillation
An ischemic stroke happens in two ways, according to the National Stroke Association. A blood clot that forms away from the brain and travels through the bloodstream may lodge in small vessel leading to or in the brain. The blockage of blood causes an embolic stoke or cerebral embolism. Cerebral embolism is often caused by blood clots that form during atrial fibrillation, which is responsible for 15 percent to 20 percent of all strokes, the American Heart Association explains. The disorder results in a quivering heartbeat instead of the heart beating strongly and effectively.
Blockage
Blood clots that form within an artery of the brain and cause blockage in one or more arteries supplying blood to the brain are called thrombotic strokes. These types of strokes often occur in large arteries following long-term atherosclerosis. The blood clots may form rapidly, according to the National Stroke Association. Thrombotic strokes can occur at night or early in the morning, the American Heart Association notes. They have stroke symptoms that last a few minutes. Medical attention is needed immediately.
Prevention/Solution
Thrombotic patients usually have heart disease because of plaque build-up in the arteries. They are also at risk for heart attack from blockage in arteries. Controlling cholesterol levels reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease to help prevent clot formation. Low-fat diets and regular exercise improve cholesterol levels. Healthy diet and exercise also control weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, other risk factors of stroke, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
