Stroke: What you absolutely need to know
You probably know that prompt intervention in the event of a stroke can save lives . But many people underestimate the early signs – or mistake them for harmless illnesses. That’s why it’s so important to raise awareness about stroke and its symptoms.
What exactly is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted . At that moment, the brain no longer receives oxygen – and within just a few minutes, vital nerve cells can die. The consequences range from permanent disability to death.
There are three main types of stroke:
-
Ischemic stroke (the most common)
– caused by a blood clot or a cholesterol deposit blocking an artery. -
Hemorrhagic stroke
– caused by bleeding in the brain, for example from a ruptured aneurysm, injury or vascular weakness. -
A transient ischemic attack (TIA)
– also known as a “mini-stroke” – is a brief interruption in blood flow, during which the problem appears to resolve itself. Dangerously, many people don’t take this warning seriously, even though it is often a precursor to a more serious stroke.
