Definition

A stroke happens when blood supply to an area of the brain is stopped. Medical care is needed right away. Cells in the brain die if they are without oxygen for more than a few minutes.

There are two main types of stroke:

  • Ischemic—blood flow is blocked; most common type of stroke
  • Hemorrhagic—bleeding in the brain

Hemorrhagic vs. Ischemic Stroke
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Causes

An ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in blood vessels of the brain. This may be caused by:

  • A clot from another part of the body breaks free, travels to the brain, and becomes trapped in a blood vessel.
  • A clot that forms in an artery of the brain.
  • An inner wall of an artery of the brain tears.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in older adults and people with a family history of stroke. Health issues that can increase the risk of stroke are:

Habits that can increase the risk of stroke are:

  • Smoking
  • A diet that is high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium
  • Low levels of physical activity
  • High alcohol use
  • Drug abuse from cocaine, amphetamines, or heroin use

Symptoms

Symptoms occur suddenly. Some problems may be:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Hearing and vision problems
  • Sensory changes
  • Problems with balance
  • A feeling of spinning when a person is still
  • Problems breathing
  • Problems chewing, swallowing, and speaking

Note: These are signs of an emergency. Call for medical help if you are having signs of a stroke.

Diagnosis

A stroke needs to be diagnosed quickly. The doctor will look for signs of nerve or brain problems. Blood tests may be done to look for clotting problems.

Images of the brain and blood flow can be taken with:

The heart will also be checked with:

Treatment

Emergency care will be needed. The goal is to break up the clot and restore blood flow as quickly as possible. Restoring blood flow will halt more damage to the brain. The clot may be broken up or removed with medicine or procedure.

Medications

Plasminogen activator (tPA) is a medicine that can quickly dissolve blood clots. This improves the chance of a full recovery. The tPA needs to be given by IV as soon as possible. The treatment is less effective when given more than 3 to 4 hours after the start of stroke symptoms. This is why it is important to get medical care as soon as symptoms start.

Medicine called blood thinners may also be given. It can stop new clots and slow or stop the growth of clots that are already there.

Procedures

The doctor will insert a catheter (tube) into large blood vessels in the arm or leg. The tube passes through blood vessels until it reaches the blocked artery in the brain. Once there the doctor may:

  • Insert medicine like tPA directly into clot
  • Remove the clot through tubes, called mechanical thrombectomy
  • Place a mesh tube called a stent to prop open the blood vessel—may also release medicine to stop clots from forming

Recovery

Early treatment can prevent long term problems. A treatment plan will be made to prevent future strokes.

Damage caused by the stroke cannot be reversed. Long term effects will depend where the brain injury happened and how much was damaged. Therapy may be needed to regain lost skills or adapt to changes. Rehabilitation may include:

  • Physical therapy—to improve movement
  • Occupational therapy—to help with daily tasks and self care
  • Speech therapy—to improve swallowing and speech
  • Psychological therapy—to address behavioral changes and provide support

Prevention

The risk of stroke can be lowered by:

  • Managing chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes
  • Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
  • Eating a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
  • Not smoking
  • Limiting alcohol
RESOURCES:

American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org

National Stroke Association
http://www.stroke.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

Heart and Stroke Foundation
http://www.heartandstroke.com

REFERENCES:

Effects of stroke. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/effects-of-stroke. Accessed January 13, 2021.

Ischemic strokes (clots). American Stroke Association website. Available at: American Stroke Association website. Available at: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/ischemic-stroke-clots#.Vk3ipE2FPIU. Accessed January 12, 2021.

Long-term management of stroke. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/long-term-management-of-stroke. Accessed January 12, 2021.

Medelson SA, Prabhakaran S. Pace of progress in stroke thrombolysis: are hospitals running to stand still? Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2017;10(1):e003438.

Neuroimaging for acute stroke. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/neuroimaging-for-acute-stroke. Accessed January 12, 2021.

Stroke (acute management). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/stroke-acute-management-1. Accessed January 12, 2021.

1/18/2017 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/prevention/cardiovascular-disease-possible-risk-factors: Emdin CA, Odutayo A, Wet al. Meta-analysis of anxiety as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Am J Cardiol. 2016;118(4):511-519.

Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD  Last Updated: 1/27/2021