Blood Draws And Strokes: Safe Side Matters

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, resulting in brain cell death within minutes. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by blocked blood vessels, often due to blood clots, while hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for strokes and can cause blood vessel damage, making it an important factor to monitor and manage.

The effects of a stroke on the body

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough blood flow, causing brain cells to become oxygen-starved and stop functioning properly. The effects of a stroke on the body vary depending on the location and severity of the stroke, but some common physical and cognitive effects include:

Physical Effects

• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Loss of muscle control on one side of the face
• Difficulty with chewing and swallowing (dysphagia)
• Foot drop, a type of weakness or paralysis that makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot
• Incontinence and loss of bladder control
• Vision problems, including loss of vision or double vision
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of coordination or clumsiness (ataxia)

Cognitive and Behavioral Effects

• Difficulty with speech and language (aphasia)
• Memory loss and cognitive impairments
• Mood swings and personality changes
• Slow or cautious behavioral style
• Confusion or agitation

The effects of a stroke can be long-lasting and may require rehabilitation, including physical, speech, occupational, and cognitive therapy. The best chance for recovery is to seek immediate medical treatment, as time is critical in reducing the damage caused by a stroke.

The different types of strokes

There are two main types of strokes: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes.

Ischemic Strokes

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 80% of all stroke cases worldwide. They occur when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked or clogged, usually by a blood clot or a buildup of fatty plaque. This blockage impairs blood flow to the brain, causing brain cells to die within minutes from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic strokes typically present with symptoms such as weakness or numbness, confusion or difficulty speaking, problems with vision, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and severe headaches.

Ischemic strokes are further divided into two groups:

• Thrombotic strokes: caused by a blood clot that develops in the blood vessels inside the brain, often in older persons with high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, or diabetes.
• Embolic strokes: caused by a blood clot or plaque debris that develops elsewhere in the body and then travels to one of the blood vessels in the brain through the bloodstream. Embolic strokes often result from heart disease or heart surgery and can occur rapidly without any warning signs.

Hemorrhagic Strokes

Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, are caused by bleeding in the brain. They account for about 13% of all strokes and are typically more severe and progress more quickly than ischemic strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain ruptures and bleeds, leading to pressure injury and further brain damage. The two main subtypes of hemorrhagic strokes are:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage: bleeding occurs from the blood vessels within the brain, often due to high blood pressure.
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage: bleeding occurs in the subarachnoid space, between the brain and the membranes that cover it. This type is often caused by an aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also known as a "mini stroke," is a temporary warning sign that a person is at high risk of having a full ischemic stroke in the near future. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any stroke symptoms, as prompt treatment is critical to preventing permanent damage or death.

How to identify the signs of a stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when there is an issue with blood flow to the brain, often due to blocked arteries or bleeding in the brain. To identify the signs of a stroke, it is crucial to remember the acronym BE FAST or F.A.S.T:

B – Balance

Watch out for a sudden loss of balance.

E – Eyes

Look for sudden vision loss or changes in one or both eyes. This could include double vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

F – Face

Ask the person to smile and observe if there is a droop on one or both sides of their face, indicating muscle weakness or paralysis.

A – Arms

Instruct the person to raise both arms. If they are having a stroke, one arm may sag or drift downward due to muscle weakness on one side.

S – Speech

Listen for slurred speech or difficulty in choosing the right words. The person may also have trouble understanding speech.

T – Time

Time is critical in stroke treatment. If you observe any of the above signs, call the emergency services immediately. Note the time when the symptoms first appear, as this information helps healthcare providers determine the best treatment.

Other signs and symptoms of a stroke include:

• Severe headache with no known cause
• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion, disorientation, or memory problems
• Fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
• Loss of coordination or clumsiness
• Emotional instability or personality changes
• Memory loss
• Passing out or fainting

Treatments for strokes

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Treatment for a stroke depends on the type of stroke a patient has experienced. Ischemic strokes are caused by blocked blood flow to the brain, usually due to blood clots, whereas hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.

Ischemic Stroke Treatments

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke, accounting for around 80% of all strokes. Treatment for this type of stroke focuses on restoring blood flow to the brain as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent brain damage and death. This is done through thrombolytic therapy, which uses medications to dissolve clots, and thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove clots. Other treatments include:

• Blood thinners to prevent blood from clotting too easily.
• Oxygen therapy to help the brain restore oxygen.
• Blood sugar management to monitor blood glucose levels and aid brain recovery.
• Mild intentional hypothermia to slow down brain damage (rarely used).

Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatments

Hemorrhagic strokes are treated with medications and surgery. Medications are used to increase the body's ability to stop the bleeding in the brain and to manage blood pressure. Surgery is often required to relieve the pressure on the brain caused by accumulated blood. Endovascular procedures may be used to repair a weak spot or break in a blood vessel.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is an important part of treating strokes and helps patients adjust to changes in their brain and body. This includes:

• Speech therapy to regain or improve language and speaking abilities.
• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and regain use of arms and legs.
• Occupational therapy to help patients safely complete daily tasks.
• Cognitive therapy to improve memory, concentration, and other mental abilities.

How to prevent strokes

Strokes are a life-threatening medical emergency and require immediate medical attention. While strokes can be fatal, there are several ways to reduce the risk of having one. Here are some detailed tips on how to prevent strokes:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases the risk of having a stroke, so losing weight can significantly reduce the chances of a stroke. Even losing as little as 10 pounds can make a difference.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity helps to keep your weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure in a healthy range, reducing the risk of a stroke. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, most days of the week.
• Improve your diet. Choose healthy foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, and nuts. Avoid high-cholesterol foods like burgers, cheese, and ice cream.
• Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for strokes. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and make lifestyle changes or take medication to keep it under control.
• Manage health conditions. Conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation increase the risk of strokes. Work with your doctor to manage these conditions effectively.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk of a stroke. Men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women should have no more than one.
• Stop smoking. Smoking is a significant risk factor for strokes. Quitting smoking will lower your chances of having a stroke.
• Get regular check-ups. See your doctor for annual check-ups to detect any health issues early on and manage your risk factors effectively.
• Treat atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can cause clots to form in the heart, leading to a stroke. If you have this condition, seek treatment to reduce your stroke risk.

Frequently asked questions