WHAT IS A STROKE?
A stroke is an injury to a part of the brain. It happens when something goes wrong with blood flow to the brain. Blood vessels called arteries carry blood and nutrients through the body. When an artery to the brain becomes blocked or bursts, blood supply is cut off. Without a supply of blood, the brain does not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Permanent damage will result if the blood supply is cut off for more than a few hours.
When part of the brain is damaged, the part of the body controlled by the injured area is affected too. For example, if the damaged brain is not able to send messages to an arm, the arm may be paralyzed.
HOW DO STROKE HAPPENS?
- The arteries become narrowed and blocked from the inside
As we get older, the arteries can narrow. This is called atherosclerosis. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can cause arteries to become narrow. When arteries become narrowed or completely blocked, the blood supply to that area is cut off. If this blockage occurs in the brain, brain damage can result.
- A blood clot travels through the arteries and gets stuck
Some people with heart problem may develop clots in the heart. A clot may break loose and travel through the arteries. If it travels to the brain, it may get stuck in a small artery. This would block the blood flow and damage would result. This is called an ischemic stroke.
- One of the arteries bursts
When an artery in the brain bursts, blood leaks out and damages that part of the brain. High blood pressure can cause this, as well as defective artery at birth. This kind of stroke may happen in younger people. It is called a hemorrhagic stroke.
- Outside pressure on a brain artery
A tumor, infection or brain swelling may cause pressure on a brain artery and cut off blood supply to the area.
Every stroke is different. Recovery from a stroke depends on which part and how much of the brain has been damaged. Some people suffer a mild stroke which means that there is very little injury to the brain. These people usually recover fully or have few problems. Others may have severe stroke in which a lot of damage is done. In these cases, it may take long time for stroke survivors to regain even partial use of their arms, legs, speech or whatever has been affected.
The person’s general health, personality and emotional state, the support of family and loved ones, and rehabilitation are all important factors in the recovery process.
WHAT IS (TIA)?
A TIA, short for Transient Ischemic Attack is a mini stroke caused by a temporarily blocked blood vessel. A TIA leaves no permanent brain damage. In a 10 percent of cases, a TIA comes before a stroke. TIAs are important warning signs that a person may be about to have a stroke. They should never be ignored. By getting prompt medical attention, people who have had a TIA may be able to reduce the risk of a full blown stroke.