Stroke Association: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:51, 16 February 2025

An overview of stroke, its causes, symptoms, and treatment

Stroke[edit]

Logo of the Stroke Association

A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications.

Types of Stroke[edit]

Strokes can be classified into two main types:

Ischemic Stroke[edit]

An ischemic stroke occurs when the arteries to the brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow (ischemia). The most common ischemic strokes include:

Thrombotic stroke: A blood clot (thrombus) forms in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
Embolic stroke: A blood clot or other debris forms away from the brain — commonly in the heart — and is swept through the bloodstream to lodge in narrower brain arteries.

Hemorrhagic Stroke[edit]

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. Brain hemorrhages can result from many conditions that affect the blood vessels, including:

Hypertension: Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Aneurysms: Weak spots in blood vessel walls.

Symptoms[edit]

The signs and symptoms of a stroke include:

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Risk Factors[edit]

Several factors can increase the risk of stroke, including:

High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Obesity
Cardiovascular disease

Diagnosis[edit]

To diagnose a stroke, doctors will perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical history. Tests may include:

Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Carotid ultrasound
Cerebral angiogram

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for stroke depends on the type of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke Treatment[edit]

The goal of treatment is to restore blood flow to the brain. This may include:

Medications such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
Endovascular procedures

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment[edit]

Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. This may involve:

Surgery
Endovascular procedures

Prevention[edit]

Preventive strategies include:

Controlling high blood pressure
Quitting smoking
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Managing diabetes

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Stroke Association''' is a [[non-profit organization]] dedicated to the prevention of [[stroke]], the provision of support to those affected by stroke, and the promotion of research into its causes and treatments. Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off or severely reduced, leading to a deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue, which can cause brain cells to die. This can result in lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. The Stroke Association plays a crucial role in educating the public about stroke prevention, recognizing the signs of stroke, and the importance of timely medical intervention.
+{{Short description|An overview of stroke, its causes, symptoms, and treatment}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==Overview==
+== Stroke ==
-The Stroke Association offers a wide range of services and support aimed at those who have suffered from a stroke, their families, and caregivers. This includes providing information and advice, support services, and funding for research into stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The organization also campaigns to improve stroke care and advocates for better health and social care policies for stroke survivors.
+[[File:Stroke_Association_logo.png|thumb|right|Logo of the Stroke Association]]
+A '''stroke''' is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the [[brain]] is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications.
-==Prevention and Awareness==
+== Types of Stroke ==
-One of the key objectives of the Stroke Association is to raise awareness about the risk factors associated with stroke, such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation. Through public health campaigns and educational programs, the organization aims to inform the public about lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Additionally, the Stroke Association promotes awareness of the FAST test, an easy way to recognize the symptoms of a stroke:
+Strokes can be classified into two main types:
-* '''F'''ace – Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?
+=== Ischemic Stroke ===
-* '''A'''rms – Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?
+An [[ischemic stroke]] occurs when the arteries to the brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow (ischemia). The most common ischemic strokes include:
-* '''S'''peech – Is their speech slurred?
+* '''Thrombotic stroke''': A blood clot (thrombus) forms in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
-* '''T'''ime – Time to call emergency services if you see any single one of these signs.
+* '''Embolic stroke''': A blood clot or other debris forms away from the brain — commonly in the heart — and is swept through the bloodstream to lodge in narrower brain arteries.
-==Support Services==
+=== Hemorrhagic Stroke ===
-The Stroke Association provides a variety of support services for stroke survivors and their families. These services include stroke recovery services, emotional support, and practical advice to help survivors of stroke live independently. Support groups and rehabilitation programs are also part of the organization's efforts to help stroke survivors regain their skills and confidence.
+A [[hemorrhagic stroke]] occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. Brain hemorrhages can result from many conditions that affect the blood vessels, including:
+* '''Hypertension''': Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
+* '''Aneurysms''': Weak spots in blood vessel walls.
-==Research==
+== Symptoms ==
-Research is a fundamental part of the Stroke Association's work. The organization funds research projects aimed at understanding the causes of stroke, developing new treatments, and improving rehabilitation techniques. This research is vital for advancing knowledge about stroke and developing more effective ways to prevent, treat, and recover from this condition.
+The signs and symptoms of a stroke include:
+* Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
+* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
+* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
+* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
+* Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
-==Advocacy==
+== Risk Factors ==
-The Stroke Association also engages in advocacy work, aiming to influence public policy and funding decisions related to stroke care and research. By working with government bodies, health services, and other stakeholders, the organization strives to ensure that stroke is a priority on the health agenda and that stroke survivors have access to the best possible care and support.
+Several factors can increase the risk of stroke, including:
+* High blood pressure
+* Smoking
+* Diabetes
+* High cholesterol
+* Obesity
+* Cardiovascular disease
-==Conclusion==
+== Diagnosis ==
-The Stroke Association plays a vital role in the fight against stroke, offering support and hope to those affected by this devastating condition. Through its comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, support, research, and advocacy, the organization works tirelessly to reduce the impact of stroke on individuals and communities.
+To diagnose a stroke, doctors will perform a physical examination and review the patient's medical history. Tests may include:
+* [[Computed tomography]] (CT) scan
+* [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI)
+* Carotid ultrasound
+* Cerebral angiogram
+== Treatment ==
+Treatment for stroke depends on the type of stroke:
+=== Ischemic Stroke Treatment ===
+The goal of treatment is to restore blood flow to the brain. This may include:
+* Medications such as [[tissue plasminogen activator]] (tPA)
+* Endovascular procedures
+=== Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment ===
+Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. This may involve:
+* Surgery
+* Endovascular procedures
+== Prevention ==
+Preventive strategies include:
+* Controlling high blood pressure
+* Quitting smoking
+* Eating a healthy diet
+* Exercising regularly
+* Managing diabetes
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Transient ischemic attack]]
+* [[Cerebral aneurysm]]
+* [[Hypertension]]
-[[Category:Health organizations]]
 [[Category:Stroke]]
+[[Category:Neurology]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}
+[[Category:Medical emergencies]]