What is a stroke?
A stroke is a condition that occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your brain is cut off, causing the death of brain cells.
In an ischemic stroke, the lack of blood flow is the result of a blockage in an artery. A hemorrhagic stroke involves a loss of blood flow due to a leaking or burst blood vessel.
You can also have a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a condition that causes a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, which doesn’t result in permanent brain damage.
What are my risk factors for a stroke?
There are many factors that can increase your risk of stroke. As you get older, your stroke risk increases. Other factors that can influence your risk for stroke include:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Heavy drinking or drug use
You may also be at increased risk for stroke if you have an existing heart condition, such as heart failure or arrhythmia, an abnormal heart rhythm.
What are the signs of a stroke?
As brain cells die off from a stroke, you can develop a variety of issues. Depending on which areas of the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen, you can experience:
- Paralysis
- Vision issues
- Trouble speaking
- Difficulty walking
- Sudden dizziness
- Loss of coordination
Any of these stroke symptoms need an evaluation right away. Go directly to the nearest hospital or call 911.
How is a stroke diagnosed?
To confirm a stroke and determine what kind of stroke you experienced, your Verma Health provider evaluates your symptoms and may request testing like:
- MRI
- CT scan
- Blood work
- Echocardiogram
Based on the results of your test, your Verma Health doctor creates a treatment plan to address the side effects of a stroke and improve your quality of life.
What treatments are available for a stroke?
The goal of treating a stroke is to restore the flow of blood to your brain. For ischemic stroke treatment, your Verma Health provider may prescribe medications to break up clots that block blood flow. You may also need an injection of alteplase, a clot-busting drug that dissolves clots and helps you recover more effectively.
To prevent additional ischemic strokes, your Verma Health doctor may recommend surgery to place a stent, which opens a narrowed blood vessel to improve blood flow.
For a hemorrhagic stroke, you may need medications to prevent blood clots and control bleeding and pressure in the brain.
In some cases, a hemorrhagic stroke requires surgical repair of the affected blood vessels to prevent additional strokes and other long-term health complications.
Learn more about treatments and prevention resources for stroke by calling Verma Health or booking an appointment online now.
