Considering the fact that nearly 800,000 people suffer from strokes every year, it stands to reason that we should understand at least the basics of this type of attack on one’s health. Sometimes called a “brain attack,” a stroke is the result of a loss of blood flow to the brain due to a blockage of some kind. There are several types of strokes and the symptoms experienced can vary depending on the type of stroke you’re having. It’s important that we all understand at least the basics of stroke diagnosis and treatment so we know what to do and expect when someone we know is having a stroke.

Ischemic Strokes

This type of stroke occurs when the blood vessels become obstructed in some way, preventing oxygen from getting to the brain. The cause of the occlusion could be the result of a blood clot that has formed in a way that it has stopped the flow of blood to the brain. The obstruction can be caused in a number of different ways. A thrombotic stroke is the result of a blood vessel narrowing down over time because of the buildup of cholesterol and an embolic stroke can be the result of a clot or fatty tissue that lodges in the blood vessel.

Transient Ischemic Attack

This is a stroke that usually reverses itself within minutes. The victim may feel like he’s all better but it serves as a serious warning sign that another more severe stroke could occur in the near future. Getting a stroke diagnosis and treatment is essential to ensure that this does not happen.

Hemorrhagic Strokes

A hemorrhagic stroke involves bleeding into the brain as a result of an excessively high blood pressure causing the blood vessels to leak and spill blood into the brain. Blood can also be the result of an aneurysm, a weakness or ballooning of the wall artery or from an abnormality where the artery and vein connect.

Diagnosis of a Stroke

Time is the most important ingredient in a successful stroke treatment. The longer it takes for a stroke to be diagnosed means the longer the brain cells will be deprived of essential oxygen. Emergency paramedics or medical professionals will more than likely use the Cincinnati Pre-hospital Stroke Scale to identify a stroke and take the needed action. The scale addresses the F.A.S.T. approach to diagnosis:

F – Face: Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
A – Arms: Can they raise both arms above their head and keep them there?
S – Speech: Is their speech clear or slurred?
T – Time: Call for help as soon as you recognize the signs.

Stroke Treatment

The main course of treatment for a stroke is to restore blood flow to the brain. This could be done through intravenous lines and administering oxygen. If it is an ischemic stroke then they may administer thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot and restore normal blood flow. In many cases, if this type of treatment is applied within the first 3 hours of symptoms appearing then there is a very good chance of a full recovery.

Dealing with a stroke can be a frightening thing for anyone. Without at least a basic knowledge stroke diagnosis and treatment, you won’t know what to do. However, for those who have learned stroke basics, the chance of recovering or helping someone to recover are quite high.