A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is reduced or stopped, preventing oxygen from reaching it. It can also be caused by bleeding in the brain. This interruption causes brain cells of the affected part of the brain to die, damaging the brain and causing issues with walking and speaking, as well as obvious signs like face drooping where one side of the face droops, slurred speech, and inability to raise the arms. Early action is crucial in reducing brain damage and other complications.
There are 2 types of stroke, ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks the vessels in the brain caused by a build-up of plaque that could be due to high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Ischemic strokes can also be caused by small blood clots that travel through the bloodstream and clog the arteries. Hemorrhagic stroke is due to the collapsing of the blood vessels that causes a build-up of pressure that is potentially fatal and leads to more severe damage.
Ischemic stroke
This form of stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks the vessels in the brain, preventing enough blood supply to bring oxygen that is needed. The most common cause of ischemic stroke is related to arteriosclerosis, a build-up of plaque that contains fat deposits, cholesterol and cells that line the walls of the blood vessels. Plaque buildup is caused by various reasons including high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Ischemic strokes can also be caused by small blood clots that travel through the bloodstream and clog the arteries.
Hemorrhagic stroke
This stroke occurs when the blood vessels become brittle and weak and burst, causing blood to leak into the brain. Blood ln the brain causes a build-up of pressure within the brain and under the skull, causing a pounding feeling in the head or chest, and a feeling of lightheadedness. Hemorrhagic strokes are more serious than ischemic ones as they are potentially fatal and lead to more severe damage.
The FAST acronym is a test to quickly identify the three most common signs of stroke.
Face: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
Arm: Can the person raise both arms fully and keep them there?
Speech: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?
Time: If you see any one of these signs, note down the time the symptoms started and call for emergency medical services.
Symptoms may vary from person to person but they tend to come on suddenly.
Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check the sugar level in your blood, how fast it takes to clot, platelet levels as well as increased white blood cells that signal a possible infection.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are done with MRI or CT scan to check for bleeding or damage in the brain, as well as any brain abnormalities. A carotid ultrasound may also be done to detect fatty deposits called plaque in the carotid arteries in your neck.
Physical Tests
You will have your heart examined and will have your blood pressure checked as well.
You can use the FAST test to check for the most common symptoms of stroke in yourself or someone else:
Face: Smile and see if one side of the face droops
Arms: Raise both arms and see if one arm drops down
Speech: Say a short phrase and check for slurred or strange speech
Time: If any of the above symptoms are present, contact a healthcare provider and note down the time symptoms started
