Stroke
Composed By Muhammad Aqeel Khan
Date 1/9/2025
Introduction
What is a Stroke?
Ischemic Stroke
Accounts for about 87% of all strokes (American Stroke Association, 2022).
Caused by blood clots or fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) that block blood flow to the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
happens when a cerebral blood vessel rupture, causing bleeding within or around the brain.
Aneurysms, trauma, and uncontrolled hypertension are common causes.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Often called a "mini-stroke."
caused by a brief obstruction that goes away in a matter of minutes to hours.
Serves as a warning sign for future strokes if preventive measures are not taken.
Causes and Risk Factors
Strokes are the result of complex interactions between genetic, lifestyle, and medical factors.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
Age: Risk doubles each decade after age 55 (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2023).
Family history of stroke.
Gender: Men are slightly more prone, but women are more likely to die from strokes.
Modifiable Risk Factors:
Hypertension: The single most important risk factor, contributing to 50% of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes (CDC, 2022).
Diabetes: Increases stroke risk by 2-4 times.
Smoking and Alcohol Use: Significantly elevate risk due to vascular damage.
High Cholesterol: Leads to plaque buildup in arteries.
Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Contribute to hypertension and diabetes.
Unhealthy Diet: High in salt, sugar, and trans fats.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save lives and reduce disability. The acronym FAST is widely used:
F – Face drooping on one side.
A – Arm weakness or inability to raise one arm.
S – Speech difficulties, such as slurred speech.
T – Time to call emergency services immediately.
Other symptoms may include sudden vision changes, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion, or severe headache.
Diagnosis of Stroke
Early diagnosis is critical to effective treatment. Physicians rely on:
Physical and Neurological Examination
Imaging Tests:
CT scan to detect bleeding.
MRI to identify ischemic strokes.
Blood Tests: To check cholesterol, clotting factors, and blood sugar.
Angiography: To examine blood vessels in the brain.
Treatment of Stroke
The treatment depends on the type of stroke:
1. Ischemic Stroke
Thrombolytic Therapy (tPA): A clot-busting drug that dissolves clots if given within 3–4.5 hours.
Mechanical Thrombectomy: Surgical removal of a clot using a catheter (effective up to 24 hours in selected patients).
Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications: Aspirin or warfarin to prevent further clotting.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
Surgical Intervention: Clipping or coiling of aneurysms to stop bleeding.
Medications: To lower intracranial pressure and control blood pressure.
Supportive Care: Ventilation, fluid balance, and seizure prevention.
3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
TIAs are managed with antiplatelet drugs, lifestyle modification, and treatment of underlying risk factors to prevent future strokes.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Stroke
Short-Term Effects: Memory loss, speech issues, visual issues, and paralysis or weakness (typically on one side).
Long-Term Effects: Emotional disturbances, depression, chronic pain, and cognitive decline.
Studies show that 50–70% of stroke survivors regain functional independence, while 15–30% remain permanently disabled (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2023).
Prevention Strategies
Stroke prevention is primarily about lifestyle modification and medical management.
1. Lifestyle Changes
Healthy Diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Limit salt and trans fats.
Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
Quit Smoking: Reduces stroke risk by 50% within 2 years.
Limit Alcohol: No more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
2. Medical Management
Control Hypertension: Regular monitoring and medication if required.
Manage Diabetes and Cholesterol: Through diet, exercise, and prescribed drugs.
Regular Check-Ups: Early detection of atrial fibrillation, which significantly increases stroke risk.
Medication Adherence: Taking prescribed anticoagulants or statins as directed.
Recent Research and Advances
Stem Cell Therapy: Shows promise in restoring brain function after stroke (Smith et al., 2021).
AI in Diagnosis: Artificial intelligence is improving early detection through imaging analysis.
Neurorehabilitation: Virtual reality and robotics are being used to enhance motor recovery.
Population Screening: New genetic studies are identifying high-risk groups for targeted prevention.
Conclusion
Stroke remains a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, but awareness, prevention, and timely treatment can significantly reduce its impact. By recognizing warning signs, seeking emergency care, adopting healthier lifestyles, and managing chronic conditions, individuals can lower their stroke risk. Ongoing research and medical advances also offer hope for better recovery and prevention strategies. Ultimately, combating the global burden of stroke requires both individual responsibility and systemic healthcare efforts.
References
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Stroke: Key facts.
American Stroke Association. (2022). Types of Stroke.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Stroke risk factors.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Stroke facts.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). (2023). Stroke: Hope through research.
Smith, A., et al. (2021). Advances in stem cell therapy for stroke recovery. Journal of Neurology.