A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when there is a disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain. This disruption deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain cell damage or death. Strokes are medical emergencies that require prompt treatment to minimize brain damage and prevent long-term disability or death.

There are two main types of strokes:

• Ischemic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked or narrowed, reducing blood flow. Ischemic strokes account for the majority of stroke cases (around 85-90%). The blockage can result from a blood clot that forms within the blood vessel (thrombotic stroke) or from a clot that travels from another part of the body and lodges in a brain artery (embolic stroke).

• Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding into or around the brain tissue. Hemorrhagic strokes account for a smaller percentage of stroke cases but tend to be more severe and have a higher risk of death. The bleeding can result from various causes, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), or use of blood-thinning medications.

Common symptoms of stroke include sudden:

• • Weakness or numbness, typically on one side of the body

  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

  • Confusion

  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

  • Dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination

  • Severe headache, often described as the worst headache of one's life

If you or someone else experiences any signs of stroke, it's crucial to seek emergency medical attention immediately. Every minute counts, as early treatment can help minimize brain damage and improve outcomes. Diagnosis of stroke typically involves a physical examination, neurological assessment, imaging tests (such as CT or MRI scans), and blood tests.

Treatment for stroke depends on the type and cause but may include medications to dissolve blood clots (thrombolytics), medications to prevent further clot formation (anticoagulants or antiplatelets), surgery or endovascular procedures to remove clots or repair blood vessel abnormalities, and rehabilitation therapy to help regain lost functions and prevent complications. After a stroke, individuals may require ongoing medical care, lifestyle modifications, and support to prevent recurrent strokes and manage long-term effects.