aivohalvaukselle

Aivohalvaukselle, which translates to "stroke" in English, is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

Ischemic stroke is the most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. It happens when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage can be caused by a clot that forms in the brain or a clot that travels from another part of the body, such as the legs, to the brain. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often called mini-strokes, are caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain and usually resolve within minutes or hours, but they are a significant warning sign of a future stroke.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks. This can be caused by conditions such as high blood pressure, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The bleeding into or around the brain tissue can cause damage.

Symptoms of stroke can occur suddenly and include numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination, and a severe headache with no known cause. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for better outcomes. Treatment often involves medications to break up clots or control bleeding, as well as rehabilitation therapy to help regain lost function.