Understanding Stroke: Anatomy, Causes, and Prevention

Managing blood glucose levels helps prevent irritation and plaque formation in blood vessels, reducing stroke risk.

The brain is the command center for thoughts, movements, and processing sensory information.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is disrupted, starving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients.

The two main types of strokes are ischemic strokes, where a blood vessel gets blocked, and hemorrhagic strokes, where a blood vessel bursts causing bleeding.

Ischemic strokes are more common, accounting for about 85% of cases.

Ischemic strokes are commonly caused by a blood clot, either a thrombus that forms in the brain's arteries or an embolus that travels from another part of the body like the heart.

The penumbra is the area around the core of a blockage during a stroke where blood flow is reduced but not completely stopped, and the tissue there can still be saved if blood flow is restored quickly.

An experimental brain-computer implant has been used to help a stroke survivor speak again after 18 years of silence.

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to blood clots and strokes.

Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to pool in the heart, leading to clot formation, and these clots can travel to the brain causing a stroke.

The acronym FAST is used: F for face drooping, A for arm weakness, S for speech difficulties, and T for time to call emergency services.

Ischemic stroke treatment may include a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator or a mechanical thrombectomy to physically remove the clot.

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel bursts, which can be caused by high blood pressure, aneurysms, or head trauma.

Hemorrhagic strokes often require surgery to stop the bleeding and are more likely to be fatal.

To reduce stroke risk, control blood pressure, have a healthy diet, exercise, avoid smoking, and manage blood glucose levels.

High blood pressure weakens arteries, leading to aneurysms and plaque formation, which can cause strokes.

Exercise improves artery elasticity, helps push blood effectively, reduces blood pressure, and lowers the risk of plaque formation.

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Managing blood glucose levels helps prevent irritation and plaque formation in blood vessels, reducing stroke risk.

The brain is the command center for thoughts, movements, and processing sensory information.