A stroke is a serious medical emergency that happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is suddenly blocked or when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes, which can lead to paralysis, speech problems, memory loss, or even death if not treated quickly.
Understanding stroke, its symptoms, causes, and treatment can save lives. Early action improves recovery and reduces long-term disability.
Types of Stroke
1. Ischemic Stroke
This is the most common type (around 80–85% cases).
It happens when a blood clot blocks a brain artery. The clot stops blood flow, and the affected brain area becomes damaged.
Common reasons:
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Blockage in neck or brain artery
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Cholesterol plaque
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Heart diseases
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Irregular heartbeat (Atrial Fibrillation)
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
This occurs when a blood vessel bursts inside the brain, causing bleeding.
The blood builds pressure and damages brain tissue.
Causes include:
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High blood pressure
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Brain aneurysm
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Weak blood vessel walls
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Head injury
3. TIA (Mini Stroke / Transient Ischemic Attack)
TIA is a temporary blockage that lasts a few minutes or hours.
Symptoms are similar to stroke but improve quickly.
However, a TIA is a warning sign of a future major stroke.
Symptoms of Stroke (Remember FAST)
Stroke symptoms appear suddenly.
Use the FAST method to identify:
F – Face Drooping
One side of the face looks uneven or numb.
A – Arm Weakness
Patient cannot lift one arm or it drifts down.
S – Speech Difficulty
Slurred speech, wrong words, or no speech.
T – Time to Act Fast
Immediate medical help is required.
Every minute saves brain cells.
Other symptoms include:
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Sudden severe headache
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Loss of balance
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Blurred or double vision
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Numbness on one side
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Confusion or difficulty understanding
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Sudden dizziness
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Medical Risk Factors
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High BP (main cause)
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Diabetes
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High cholesterol
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Heart disease
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Obesity
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Sleep apnea
Lifestyle Habits
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Smoking
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High alcohol consumption
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Lack of physical activity
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Unhealthy diet
Other Factors
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Family history
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Age above 50 (risk increases)
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Stress
Diagnosis of Stroke
Doctors use advanced tests to identify the type and severity:
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CT Scan – identifies bleeding
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MRI Brain – detailed brain imaging
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EEG – checks brain electrical activity
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NCV/EMG – checks nerve & muscle weakness
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Blood tests – sugar, cholesterol, clotting
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ECG/ECHO – checks heart-related causes
Correct diagnosis helps decide the best treatment.
Treatment of Stroke
Treatment depends on whether it is Ischemic (clot) or Hemorrhagic (bleeding).
1. Treatment for Ischemic Stroke
Goal is to restore blood flow as quickly as possible.
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Clot-dissolving injections (within the golden window)
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Blood thinners
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Medicines to improve blood supply
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Controlling BP, sugar, cholesterol
2. Treatment for Hemorrhagic Stroke
Goal is to stop bleeding and reduce pressure inside the brain.
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BP control
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Surgery (in some cases)
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Medicines to control brain swelling
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Physical protection of affected brain area
3. Rehabilitation After Stroke
Stroke recovery is a long process involving:
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Physiotherapy for walking & movement
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Speech therapy for talking
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Occupational therapy for daily activities
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Memory & cognitive rehabilitation
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Emotional & psychological support
With proper care, many patients regain independence.
Complications After Stroke
Without proper treatment, stroke may cause:
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Paralysis or weakness
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Difficulty speaking
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Memory loss
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Vision problems
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Depression
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Difficulty swallowing
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Balance and walking problems
Regular follow-up is essential for long-term recovery.
Prevention of Stroke
Stroke can be prevented by controlling risk factors:
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Maintain normal BP
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Control sugar levels
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Reduce cholesterol
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Quit smoking
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Healthy balanced diet
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Regular exercise
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Maintain healthy weight
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Reduce stress
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Take medicines as prescribed
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Regular checkups for heart health
When to See a Neurologist?
Seek immediate medical care if you notice:
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Sudden weakness
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Sudden severe headache
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Sudden loss of vision
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Sudden difficulty speaking
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Sudden imbalance or dizziness
Early treatment saves life and improves recovery chances.
