Description
Strokes, also known as cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), is a medical condition that occurs when oxygen-rich blood cannot reach brain cells due to a blockage or internal bleeding in artery. Once the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain is affected, cell death begins and a victim will experience sudden impairments.
Watch this video on strokes to learn basic background information.
There are three main types of strokes:
- Ischemic stroke
- Hemorrhagic stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, about 87% of strokes are ischemic. This type of stroke occurs when there is a blockage an brain artery, most commonly a blood clot. A blot clot can form when it is not needed and lead to medical problems like a stroke. Waxy cholesterol plaques that form in arteries can trigger a blood clot to form when they break open. Blood clots also form when blood doesn't properly flow, and if the blood pools in the vessels of the heart, the platelets are more prone to sticking together. |
Example of a blot clot in an artery
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Example of a busted blood vessel
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Hemorrhagic Stroke
A Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by an artery bleeding into the brain. This occurs when a weakened blood artery leaks blood or bursts. The leaked blood puts pressure on the brain cells, consequently damaging the tissues which enables certain parts of the body to function. There are two main types of hemorrhagic strokes:
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Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A transient ischemic attack is often referred to as a mini-stroke since it only lasts 2-15 minutes. TIA symptoms are similar to those of a stroke and should fully disappear in 24 hours. A TIA is a temporary blockage/decrease in blood flow to a certain area of the brain. These episodes do not cause permanent damage to the brain, but can often indicate a full-blown stroke may occur. More than 1 in 3 TIAs victims who do not seek medical help will eventually have a stroke, so it is important to seek medical help immediately after experiencing a TIA.
A transient ischemic attack is often referred to as a mini-stroke since it only lasts 2-15 minutes. TIA symptoms are similar to those of a stroke and should fully disappear in 24 hours. A TIA is a temporary blockage/decrease in blood flow to a certain area of the brain. These episodes do not cause permanent damage to the brain, but can often indicate a full-blown stroke may occur. More than 1 in 3 TIAs victims who do not seek medical help will eventually have a stroke, so it is important to seek medical help immediately after experiencing a TIA.