What is a Stroke?
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Scan showing the blockage of a blood vessel
A stroke is a sudden injury to the brain due to the blockage or rupture of blood vessels. This can lead to severe disability or impairment.
Types of Stroke
A blockage of the vessel
Ischemic
blood vessel blockage
Imagine a clogged pipe — without an open pipe, water can’t reach the faucet, just as blood can't reach the brain.
Hemorrhagic
blood vessel leakage
Imagine a leaky pipe — water still is not reaching the faucet, just as blood is not reaching the brain.
Statistics
DEATH & DISABILITY
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the US. Globally, it is the second leading cause of death, as well as the third leading cause of death & disability out of all non-communicable diseases.
INCIDENCE
There are over 795,000 strokes each year in the US, and over 12,000,000 new strokes worldwide annually. About half result in death. 1 in 4 people will have a stroke in their lifetime.
WHO'S AFFECTED?
Strokes can affect anyone. 53% of strokes worldwide occur in people under the age of 70. Strokes disproportionately affect communities of color, and place a heavier burden on areas of lower socioeconomic recourse.
TREATMENT
Over 80% of strokes are preventable through controllable risk factors. Of those who have a stroke, patients who reach the hospital within 3 hours of their first symptoms often have the best long-term outcomes.
Signs & Symptoms
Because stroke can present in many different ways, timely recognition is essential. Rapid identification and swift arrival at the hospital are key steps toward effective treatment and better outcomes.
A STROKE IS THE SUDDEN INABILITY TO...
Walk
e.g. sudden leg pain, sudden immobility or difficulty walking
Act
e.g. sudden facial droop, sudden inability to use a limb
Talk
e.g. sudden slurred speech, sudden inability to speak
See
e.g. sudden loss or distortion of vision
Stroke
Treatments
For a person experiencing a stroke, it is imperative that they arrive at the hospital as soon as possible. Medical professionals administer treatment depending on the type of stroke that occurs:
Ischemic strokes account for 87% of all cases in the US. Since they are caused by a clot, the clot must be removed or broken down, which leaves two options for treatment:
Hemorrhagic strokes account for the remaining 13% of all cases in the US. They are caused by leaking blood vessels and have fewer available treatment options:
Thrombolytics
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Patients may be administered a clot-buster, or a drug that can break down the clot and return blood flow to the brain.
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These drugs can only be used within 3 hours of the first stroke symptoms - the sooner you get to the hospital, the better.
Medical Devices
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Once the 3-hour window is past, treatment turns to medical devices.
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Stent retrievers and aspiration catheters are used in minimally invasive surgeries to physically remove the clot and restore blood flow.
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Blood Pressure & Surgery
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Internal bleeding can lead to a buildup of blood in the brain, resulting in increased pressure
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In order to combat this buildup, treatment may include management of blood pressure
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If the buildup becomes too severe, surgery may be required to physically drain the area of the excess liquid.
SOURCES