A stroke occurs when blood flow to a brain region is disrupted, causing brain cell damage and potential fatalities. Two main stroke types exist: ischemic stroke, caused by blocked arteries, and hemorrhagic stroke, resulting from ruptured arteries.
Ischemic strokes arise when blood clots obstruct arteries supplying the brain. Clots can form locally due to plaque rupture or travel from elsewhere in the body, often originating from atrial fibrillation. In contrast, hemorrhagic strokes stem from arterial leaks or ruptures, commonly linked to hypertension, excessive anticoagulant use, or vascular abnormalities like aneurysms. Regardless of type, strokes require immediate medical intervention.
Prompt action is essential to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, as treatments vary significantly. Ischemic strokes aim to restore blood flow through clot removal using aspirin, TPA, or mechanical devices. Hemorrhagic strokes focus on controlling bleeding, reducing blood pressure, and preventing complications through medications or surgical intervention if bleeding is severe. Preventative measures like plaque removal, artery widening, aneurysm repair, and malformation treatment are crucial in stroke prevention.