What Happens During a Stroke?
Ever wonder what happens during a stroke? It can be just any other day for a stroke victim. He wakes up to a sunny morning and gets ready to leave for work. Suddenly he feels dizzy, is bothered by a mild headache, and believes it’s just some temporary discomfort brought about by skipping dinner the night before. Vision begins to get blurry, and a slight headache then transforms into a seemingly intense migraine. He collapses to the ground, attempts to call out for help, but can’t. His mouth is suddenly dry and speech becomes slurred…this is the typical experience of someone suffering from a stroke.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain suddenly becomes disrupted. This takes place when one’s blood vessels, which are responsible for transporting blood to different parts of the brain become blocked or clogged due a clot and cause the blood flow to be blocked.
If the brain’s neurons do not receive any nutrients and oxygen from blood supply for over four minutes, brain cells may die. This condition is also referred to as death of the brain or cell infraction. The body reacts by enlarging the other blood vessels in order to deliver blood to those portions of the brain that is deprived of the supply. However, if the supply of blood cannot be restored as quickly as it should, it can result in permanent brain damage.
Types of Strokes
The actual answer to what happens during a stroke really depends upon the type of stroke.
There are two major types of strokes. One type is called an "Ischemic" stroke. This occurs when a blood vessel connected to the brain becomes clogged, and blood supply cannot be delivered to the right places. This is the most common type of stroke. In simpler terms, a blood clot causes an Ischemic stroke. It can also occur when arteries become too narrow and clogs with plaque which is a combination of cholesterol and fats that cling to the blood vessel walls.
The other type of stroke is a "Hemorrhagic" stroke. This happens when a thin and weak blood vessel suddenly bursts and bleeds, killing the brain cells and disrupting brain function. High blood pressure can cause the weakening of the blood vessel walls and can trigger this type of stroke.
However, there is also another type, which is referred to as Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) or “mini strokes.” These are “mini strokes” since blood supply is only blocked for a short period of time and will not cause severe damage instantly. They are more like warning signs of a real stroke that is likely to take place.
Signs of a Stroke
Someone suffering from a stroke will manifest signs and symptoms including weakness and numbness of one side of the body, a severe headache, loss of balance and coordination, dizziness, blurry vision, and difficulty in communicating.
Those who encounter any of these warning signs should immediately go to the hospital for medical attention. Usually, the initial response of the doctor will be to make sure that the victim is not in grave danger. For instance, the doctor must make sure that the victim is able to breathe. Once the patient is out of danger, the doctor will determine the cause of the problem through a series of tests on the brain and heart.
If the doctor is able to diagnose a stroke, he or she may require a CT to see which part of the brain is affected and how severe the stroke is.
Effects of a stroke include weakness, paralysis, speech problems, depression and other emotional problems, cognitive problems, loss of perception, and difficulty in swallowing.
Studies show that one’s sex, age, genetic conditions, and family history can contribute to a stroke. The way you live, illnesses brought about by diabetes, obesity, smoking, in-active lifestyle, hypertension, heart disease, drugs, alcohol, are all major players in causing a stroke.
By living a healthier lifestyle, adhering to a well-balanced diet, regularly engaging in an exercise program, and having regular visits to the doctor, you can greatly reduce the occurrence of strokes.