WHAT IS A STROKE?

Strokes occur when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted, however not all strokes occur the same way. There are 3 primary types of strokes:

1. Ischemic Stroke: An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies the brain becomes blocked or "clogged" and impairs blood flow to part of the brain. The brain cells and tissues begin to die within minutes from lack of oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic strokes are further divided into 2 groups:
   1. 1. Thrombotic Stroke: A thrombotic stroke occurs when a blood clot forms within one of the arteries supplying your brain with oxygenated blood.
      2. Embolic Stroke: A embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot or plaque debris develop somewhere else in the body and then travels to one of the blood vessels to your brain through the bloodstream. It gets stuck there and stops the flow of your blood.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or ruptures. When an artery bleeds into the brain, brain cells and tissues are damaged due to not getting the approriate amount of oxygen and nutrients. In addition, pressure builds up in surrounding tissues and irritation and swelling occur, which can lead to further brain damage. While several factors can cause hemorrhagic strokes, most are caused by poorly controlled high blood pressure or weakened blood vessel walls (aneurysms). Hemorrhagic strokes are divided into 2 main categories, including the following:
   1. 1. Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Bleeding is from the blood vessels within the brain. It is usually caused by high blood pressure. Bleeding occurs suddenly and rapidly. There are usually no warning signs and bleeding can be severe enough to cause coma or death.
      2. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding is in the subarachnoid space (the space between the brain and the membranes that cover the brain). This type of hemorrhage is often due to an aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). It can also be caused by trauma.
         • • An aneurysm is a weakened, ballooned area on an artery wall and has a risk for rupturing. Aneurysms may be congenital (present at birth) or may develop later in life due to such factors as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis.
           • An AVM is a congenital disorder that consists of a disorderly tangled web of arteries and veins. The cause of AVM is unknown, but it is sometimes genetic or part of certain syndromes.
3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A transient ischemic attack (TIA) also known as a “mini stroke” occurs when a blood clot temporarily (usually no  more than 5 minutes) blocks blood flow to part of your brain. Experiencing a TIA is a warning sign & increases your risk of having a stroke in the future. In fact, one in three patients who have a TIA have a full stroke within a month. 

If you notice that someone is exhibiting symptoms of a stroke, they must seek immediate emergency treatment. In addition to being lifesaving, prompt care can minimize brain tissue damage and your risk of developing potential post-stroke complications. Common symptoms of a stroke include:

• A sudden, severe headache 
• Blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes 
• Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Dizziness
• Double vision
• Facial drooping or numbness
• Numbness or paralysis of an arm or a leg

Several factors can increase your risk of having a stroke, but poorly controlled high blood pressure is one of the most critical. High blood pressure is responsible for more than 70% of all strokes. Additionally, unhealthy cholesterol levels can also increase your risk of having a stroke, as does having diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and cardiovascular disease. 

Carotid artery disease is one of the leading causes of a stroke. Each year, approximately one-third of all strokes in the United States are caused by carotid artery disease.

• It occurs when the carotid arteries, which supply blood to your head and brain, become narrowed due to fatty plaque deposits.
• Plaque buildup in your carotid arteries can reduce blood flow to your brain, or it can result in small clots to form, which can break off and travel to your brain, causing a minor or major stroke. 

Understanding your risk factors enables you to take appropriate steps to decrease your odds of having a stroke. In many instances, this means making healthy lifestyle changes and adapting to strategies that are used to prevent or control heart disease. This may include getting your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, maintaining a healthy body weight, or vigilantly monitoring blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.

To diagnose the cause of a stroke, the team at Premier Cardiovascular Consultants will perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and discuss the symptoms you’re having. Depending on your overall health, testing may be performed, including:

• Carotid ultrasound
• Computerized tomography (CT) or computerized tomography angiogram (CTA)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)
• Echocardiogram (Echo) or transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
• Arteriogram

To learn more about stroke treatment and/or prevention, schedule an appointment by calling Premier Cardiovascular Consultants or request an appointment online today.