What Exactly Causes a Stroke & What is the Immediate Treatment for It?

Dr.Madhukar Bhardwaj, 3 mins read

Have you ever seen a person sitting at home or walking in the market, and suddenly someone around you can’t speak properly, their face droops on one side, or they can’t move their arm. It might appear that they are just feeling tired but this could be a stroke, a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. Every minute matters. A large number of people don’t know how dangerous a stroke can be until it affects someone close to them. 

It is very important for everyone, young or old to understand what causes a stroke and how it can be treated quickly. In this blog, we will explain what causes a stroke and what immediate treatments are available to help save lives.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a serious medical condition that happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off or reduced. Without enough blood, brain cells begin to die because they don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need. A stroke can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, or even death if not treated quickly.

Causes:

There are two main types of strokes:

1. Ischemic Stroke (Most Common)

This happens when a blood clot or a fatty deposit blocks a blood vessel in the brain. About 87% of all strokes are ischemic. The blockage stops blood and oxygen from reaching the brain tissue, which causes brain cells to die.

Causes of ischemic stroke:

• Blood clots: Often caused by heart problems like irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).
  
• Narrowed arteries: Fatty deposits (plaque) can build up in the blood vessels and slow down or block blood flow.
  
• High blood pressure: This damages blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of blockage.
  

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke

This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue. This blood puts pressure on brain cells and damages them.

Causes of hemorrhagic stroke:

• High blood pressure 
• Aneurysm
• Head injury 
• Blood-thinning medications
  

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

It is also termed as a mini-stroke, TIA is caused by a temporary blockage in the blood flow to the brain. It usually lasts a few minutes and doesn't cause permanent damage. However, it is a warning sign of a future stroke.

Common Signs of Stroke:

Use the BE FAST test to remember:

• B - Balance  issues: There is balance impairment in stroke patients. 
• E - Eyesight Changes: Vision problems are a common consequence of stroke.
• F – Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile.
• A – Arm weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms.
• S – Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand.
• T – Time to call emergency services: If you see any of these signs, call for medical help immediately.
  

Immediate Treatment for Stroke: 

For Ischemic Stroke:

• Clot-busting drugs: A medicine called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) is given within 3 to 4.5 hours of the stroke. It dissolves the blood clot and restores blood flow.
  
• Mechanical thrombectomy: In some cases, doctors use a device to remove the clot from the brain. This is often done within 6 to 24 hours of symptoms.
  

For Hemorrhagic Stroke:

• Stop the bleeding: Doctors may give medications to lower blood pressure or stop blood thinners.
  
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery is needed to repair the damaged blood vessel or remove blood from the brain.
  

Conclusion

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that needs immediate attention. Knowing the symptoms and acting fast using the BE FAST method can make a big difference. Quick medical treatment can reduce brain damage, save lives, and help patients recover faster.

If you or someone you know shows signs of a stroke, don’t wait, call@8800015905, the emergency services of Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, right away.