A stroke is defined as the sudden reduction of blood flow to a portion of the brain. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic (also known as thrombotic) and hemorrhagic. A stroke of any type is an extreme medical emergency, and prompt treatment is imperative. Although hemorrhagic strokes account for only 15% of all strokes, they have a much higher mortality rate. Hemorrhagic strokes are grouped according to location of the blood vessel:
- Intra cerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding in the brain
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding in the area between the brain and the thin tissues that cover the brain.
Causes
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain. The brain is very sensitive to bleeding and damage can occur very rapidly. Bleeding irritates the brain tissue, causing swelling. Bleeding collects into a mass called a hematoma. Bleeding also increases pressure on the brain and presses it against the skull.
- Hemorrhagic stroke is most often due to high blood pressure, which stresses the artery walls until they break.
- Aneurysms, which create a weak spot in an artery wall, which can eventually burst
- Abnormal connections between arteries and veins, such as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
- Cancer, particularly cancer that spreads to the brain from distant organs such as the breast, skin, and thyroid
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a build up of amyloid protein within the artery walls in the brain, which makes bleeding more likely
- Conditions or medications (such as aspirin or Warfarin) that can make you bleed excessively
- Illicit drugs, such as cocaine
Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on the location of the bleed and the amount of brain tissue affected. Symptoms usually develop suddenly, without warning, and often during activity. They may come and go (be episodic) or slowly get worse over time. Watch for these symptoms and be prepared to act quickly for yourself or on behalf of someone you are with:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble talking, or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Treatment of Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke requires prompt medical attention. It can develop quickly into a life-threatening situation. Goals of treatment are to:
- Save the person's life
- Relieve symptoms
- Repair the cause of bleeding
- Prevent complications
- Start rehabilitation therapy as soon as possible
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