A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. It’s often called a “brain attack,” similar to how a heart attack affects the heart. When the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, the affected cells start to die within minutes, which can lead to serious damage or even death. But here’s the good news: fast action can make a huge difference. If you or someone you’re with shows signs of a stroke, calling an ambulance can save lives and reduce long-term complications.

What Causes a Stroke?

There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Both types can result in significant damage, but they happen for different reasons.

Ischemic Stroke: The Most Common Type

About 85% of strokes are ischemic, which happen when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The clot prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching brain cells, which can cause those cells to die. There are several common causes of ischemic strokes, including:

• Atherosclerosis: A buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries that leads to narrowing or blockages.
• Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots to form in the heart, which may travel to the brain.
• Clotting Disorders: Conditions that make your blood clot too easily, increasing the risk of stroke.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Less Common but Serious

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain. This can increase pressure on brain tissue and cause severe damage. Some common causes include:

• High Blood Pressure: Chronic high blood pressure weakens the blood vessels, increasing the risk of a rupture.
• Aneurysms: These are weak spots in the blood vessel walls that can balloon out and burst.
• Brain Tumors: Both benign and cancerous tumors can increase the risk of hemorrhagic strokes.

Risk Factors to Watch Out For

Certain lifestyle choices and medical conditions increase your risk of having a stroke. These include:

• Smoking: Both cigarettes and other tobacco products increase your risk of stroke.
• High Blood Pressure: One of the biggest risk factors for all types of strokes.
• Diabetes: Increases your risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
• High Cholesterol: Leads to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing your risk of ischemic strokes.
• Alcohol and Drug Use: Misusing alcohol or drugs can increase your risk of a stroke, especially hemorrhagic strokes.

Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke

Strokes happen quickly, and every minute counts. The faster you recognize the signs, the better the outcome. Symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, but the most common signs can be remembered using the FAST acronym:

• Face: Is one side of the face drooping? Ask the person to smile and see if their smile is uneven.
• Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms and see if one drifts downward.
• Speech: Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time: If you notice any of these signs, call an ambulance right away. Every second counts!

Other possible stroke symptoms include sudden confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, severe headache, dizziness, or loss of balance. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical help immediately.

What Happens After a Stroke? Treatment and Recovery

The way a stroke is treated depends on what type of stroke it is. For an ischemic stroke, the goal is to restore blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible. Doctors might use medications called clot-busters (like tissue plasminogen activator or tPA) or a procedure to physically remove the clot. For a hemorrhagic stroke, treatment focuses on stopping the bleeding. This may involve surgery to repair the damaged blood vessel or medications to lower blood pressure and prevent further bleeding.

Once the initial treatment is complete, stroke recovery is all about rehabilitation. This process can take weeks, months, or even years, depending on how severe the stroke was. Some common rehabilitation methods include:

• Physical Therapy: Helps regain strength and coordination in muscles affected by the stroke.
• Speech Therapy: Focuses on recovering the ability to speak, understand language, or swallow.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps stroke survivors relearn everyday tasks like dressing, cooking, or writing.
• Cognitive Therapy: For those who experience memory loss or trouble concentrating, cognitive therapy can help improve brain function.

Rehabilitation is critical for helping people regain independence and improve their quality of life after a stroke. The earlier rehab starts, the better the chances of recovery.

Prevention: Lowering Your Risk of Stroke

There are several things you can do to lower your risk of stroke. These include:

• Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can dramatically lower your risk.
• Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes, so keeping it in check is essential.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can improve heart health and reduce stroke risk.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Manage underlying conditions: Conditions like diabetes and atrial fibrillation should be managed with the help of a healthcare provider.

A stroke can be scary, but the more you know about it, the better prepared you’ll be to act if one happens. By recognizing the symptoms, acting fast, and seeking medical attention immediately, you can greatly improve the chances of recovery. And by making lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk of ever experiencing a stroke in the first place. 

If you have any concerns about your stroke risk or need guidance on managing your heart health, don’t wait—reach out to Dr. Ananth Egoor for expert advice. Dr. Egoor is an experienced specialist in stroke prevention and recovery, and he can help you take proactive steps to safeguard your brain and heart. Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward better health.