Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic Stroke occurs when an artery supplying the
brain with blood becomes blocked, suddenly decreasing
or stopping blood flow and ultimately causing brain
cells to die and some body functions to become impaired.
This kind of stroke accounts for approximately 80 percent
of all strokes.
There are two types of ischemic or clot-caused strokes,
thrombotic and embolic.
A thrombotic stroke occurs when a blood clot
forms within an artery that supplies blood to the brain.
An embolic stroke occurs when a plaque fragment
or blood clot travels to the brain from the heart or
another artery supplying the brain. These types of blockages
in the arteries may be due to atherosclerosis or hardening
of the arteries caused by cholesterol or plaque build-up.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the
brain breaks or ruptures. Long-term high blood pressure
can weaken blood vessels in the brain and eventually
cause a hemorrhagic stroke (cerebral hemorrhage).
Hemorrhagic strokes are divided into two types, intracerebral
hemorrhage (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage
(SAH). An intracerebral hemorrhage is characterized
by bleeding into the brain itself. High blood pressure
may cause small blood vessels to bulge and eventually
burst spilling blood into the brain. The bleeding damages
brain cells and the damaged area cannot function properly.
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is characterized by
bleeding into the area that surrounds the brain. This
type of hemorrhage has many possible causes but is usually
the result of a ruptured aneurysm. Blood from a ruptured
aneurysm (a weak and balloon-like bulging portion of
an artery) may bleed into the space between two membranes
on the surface of the brain. The bleeding can increase
pressure in and on the brain, injuring brain cells and
may affect brain function. A subarachnoid hemorrhage
may also be caused by bleeding from a tangle of abnormal
blood vessels called an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
Stroke Risk Factors
Prevention of a major cerebrovascular event from occurring
is still the best treatment for stroke. The following
risk factors can be addressed to help reduce the risk
of stroke.
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Hypertension
– High blood pressure is the leading cause
of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. |
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Weight
– Even modest weight gain (24 – 43 pounds
over 16 years) almost doubles the chances of suffering
a stroke. |
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Cigarettes
– Smoking doubles the chance of a stroke. |
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Carotid Stenosis
– The build up of fatty plaque on the insides
of the carotid artery increases the chance of an
ischemic stroke |
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High Cholesterol
– High cholesterol levels can promote carotid
stenosis and lead to a stroke. |
Stroke Warning Signs
It is important to learn and recognize the symptoms
of stroke. The faster you recognize stroke symptoms,
the sooner you can get to the hospital and receive treatment,
and the sooner you receive treatment, the more effective
it can be. If you experience one or more of these symptoms,
don’t wait call 911 immediately.
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Sudden
severe headache with no known cause. Often described
as “worst headache ever.” |
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Sudden dimness
or loss of vision in one or both eyes. Unexplained
blurring or intolerance to light. |
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Sudden numbness
or weakness of face, arm, or leg on one side of
the body. |
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Unexplained dizziness,
unsteadiness or sudden falls. |
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Loss of speech,
or trouble talking or understanding speech. |
Diagnostic Tools
Treatments
When patients experience an ischemic or hemorrhagic
stroke, an experienced team specifically trained
to treat such cases can have a crucial impact
on their care and outcomes. CINN offers a complete
continuum of neurovascular services, including
traditional clipping procedures, stereotactic
radiosurgery applications and the latest endovascular
techniques, such as coiling and stenting. (See
individual diagnoses for potential treatments)
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