A stroke occurs when there is an interruption of blood supply to the brain, leading to brain damage. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic, each with different causes.
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Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. It occurs when an artery supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot or a build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis). Causes include:
- Thrombotic Stroke: This happens when a blood clot forms directly in a blood vessel in the brain or neck.
- Embolic Stroke: This occurs when a clot or debris forms away from the brain, often in the heart, and travels through the blood to lodge in narrower brain arteries.
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Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain. Causes include:
- Aneurysms: Weak spots in blood vessels that can balloon and rupture.
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can rupture.
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Chronic high blood pressure can weaken blood vessels and lead to hemorrhagic stroke.
Other Risk Factors: Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of a stroke, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Family history of stroke
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Gender (men have a higher risk at younger ages, but women may have an increased risk post-menopause)
Symptoms: Common symptoms of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, difficulty walking, and severe headache.
Prevention: Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, managing blood pressure, and diabetes control can help reduce the risk of stroke.