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What is Stroke?A stroke occurs when an artery or blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a blood clot or ruptures. When a part of the brain is deprived of the circulation it needs, that part starts to die. When part of the brain dies from lack of blood flow, the body function controlled by that section of the brain is affected. As a result, strokes can cause a wide range of problems, including language difficulties, vision impairment and even paralysis. Stroke usually occurs in middle-aged or older adults, and are more common in men than women. Two-thirds of strokes occur in people over age 65; however, strokes may occur in young adults as well as infants and children. Ischemic StrokeThe most common type of stroke, an ischemic stroke occurs when the blood flow in an artery of the brain is blocked due to a clot. A clot may form when parts of blood, called platelets and fibrin, stick together on the artery wall. Atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty deposits in the wall of the arteries, results in narrowing of the vessels and can be responsible for such clotting. When blood flows through these restricted arteries, it tends to form clots. Alternatively, a clot may originate somewhere other than in the brain, such as the heart. The clot is carried by the blood to the brain where the arteries branch into smaller vessels. The clot reaches a point where it can go no further and plugs the vessel, cutting off the blood supply. This mobile clot is called an embolus. Lacunar Stroke
Transcient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Hemorrhagic StrokeA hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, spilling blood into the brain tissue or into the area surrounding the brain. While these strokes account for only about 15 percent of all strokes, they are responsible for more than 30 percent of all stroke deaths. The clinical signs and symptoms vary for different types of stroke, and a physician’s treatment recommendations will vary accordingly. Treatment options include a variety of medical and surgical techniques that are determined based on the exact cause and size of the stroke. Two types of hemorrhagic strokes exist: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)
Risk Factors for Hemorrhagic StrokeAneurysm - SAH usually results from an aneurysm, or weak spot in an artery wall, that suddenly bursts, causing blood to spill into fluid filled spaces surrounding the brain. Physicians may identify an aneurysm through a CTA, which shows a “bubble” on the vessel wall. Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)- a tangle of thin-walled blood vessels that bleed more easily than normal vessels. High Blood Pressure - The most common cause of ICH, high blood pressure is a critical – and controllable – stroke risk factor. Consult with your doctor and have your blood pressure checked regularly. Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) - This condition relates to a particular kind of protein deposit found in the wall of vessels that supply blood to the brain. In modest amounts, these deposits are usually harmless and in fact are a common part of aging process. However, some individuals can develop severe CAA, in which case the protein deposits actually cause the blood vessel walls to crack, leaking blood into the brain and causing a hemorrhagic stroke. Alcohol and Drug Abuse - These factors contribute to a higher risk for both ICH and SAH, particularly among younger individuals. In fact, 85-90 percent of drug-associated ICH cases involve patients under 40. Medication to prevent blood clotting – It is important to check with your doctor about the use and potential risks of these medications. While they can help prevent ischemic strokes, they can also increase your risk for ICH if your blood becomes too thin. Blood Clotting Disorders - Disorders such as hemophilia and sickle
cell anemia can contribute to an increased risk for ICH. Be sure to consult
with your physician to determine how best to control your disorder while
minimizing your stroke risk. |
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Colorado Neurological
Institute Stroke Center
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