Brain stroke is a serious health condition in which the blood supply to the brain is restricted which prevents the tissues from getting an adequate amount of oxygen. This medical emergency requires swift and critical treatment as brain cells begin to die from the moment stroke strikes. Prompt action can minimize brain damage and other serious complications. Disabilities are very common aftermath of stroke, but that too can be prevented with effective treatment [1]. In this article, we shall explore in-depth what happens during a stroke and how to recognize the warning signs.
Strokes are of two different types namely ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Depending on the type, the body’s reaction to a stroke may vary.
Ischemic Stroke: When the arteries that carry blood to the brain are blocked or narrowed down by a blood clot, an ischemic stroke strikes. This is considered to be the most common type of brain stroke. An estimated 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes [2]. Ischemic stroke is further classified into two types:
- Thrombotic Stroke: When a blood clot is formed in the artery and blocks the blood flow to the brain leads to a thrombotic stroke [3].
- Embolic Stroke: When a blood clot formed elsewhere in the body and reached the brain causing a stroke. The stroke is then referred to as embolic stroke [3].
Hemorrhagic Stroke: A blood vessel ruptures or leaks blood in the brain, depriving the cells and tissues of required oxygen and nutrients. In addition, pressure is built up in the surrounding tissues due to the leak leading to brain damage and hemorrhagic stroke [4]. This type of stroke is categorized into two subtypes:
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage: It is characterized by the atrial rupture that leads to blood leak in the brain.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: It refers to the bleeding inside the brain, between the brain and the thin covering tissues.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A transient ischemic attack should not be confused with the two major types as the blood flow to the brain is blocked only for a brief period. This is why TIA is commonly referred to as a mini-stroke [4].
Recognizing the warning signs of stroke and swift medical actions can help prevent tragic outcomes. Therefore, knowing the warning signs is crucial. Following are the most common symptoms of brain stroke [4]:
Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, especially face, arm, or leg
Sudden confusion
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Sudden visual problemsh
Sudden loss of balance, lack of coordination or trouble walking
Sudden and severe headache
To recognize the warning signs of stroke remember to BE FAST:
B - Balance: The person may lose balance and have trouble coordinating the body parts.
E - Eyes: The person may experience sudden vision-related problems like blurry or double vision.
F - Face Drooping: One side of the person’s face may seem droopy or go numb. Verify this by asking them to smile.
A - Arm Weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm. Verify by asking them to raise both arms and see if one arm is drifting downwards.
S - Speech Difficulty: Sudden problem in talking or interpreting speech. Verify by asking them to repeat a simple sentence like “I am fine”. See if the sentence is repeated accurately.
T - Time To Call Help: If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call for emergency help as the person might most likely be having a stroke.
