Understanding Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke can cause serious long-term problems and even death.

Symptoms of a Stroke

• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of your body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Vision changes or loss of vision in one eye or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Seizure (rare)

Diagnosing a Stroke

To diagnose a stroke, your doctor will use the following tests:

• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of your brain. It can help identify bleeding in the brain or damage caused by lack of blood flow.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: An MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your brain. It can provide more information about the extent of brain damage.
• Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI): A type of MRI that can detect areas of brain tissue that are not receiving enough blood flow, which is a sign of a stroke.

Treatment and Prevention

The most effective treatment for a stroke is to restore blood flow to the affected area as quickly as possible. The standard treatment is Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), which can dissolve blood clots that are blocking blood flow.

Other treatments may include:

• Mechanical thrombectomy: A procedure to remove the clot from your brain using a mechanical device.
• Endovascular stenting: A minimally invasive procedure to place a small mesh tube in an artery to keep it open and improve blood flow.
• Anticoagulation therapy: Medications that prevent the formation of new clots or reduce the risk of further strokes.

To reduce your risk of having a stroke, it's essential to manage any underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. If you have a family history of stroke, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk.