What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, brain cells can become damaged quickly. There are two main types of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke and occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding in or around the brain.

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted. Although the symptoms may go away, a TIA can be an important warning sign of a future stroke and should not be ignored.

Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs

Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly. Knowing the warning signs can help you seek emergency treatment without delay. Common stroke symptoms include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden loss or blurring of vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking
• Sudden severe headache without a known cause
• Drooping of one side of the face
• Sudden confusion or changes in consciousness

If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, seek emergency medical care immediately. Early stroke treatment can be critical for protecting brain function and reducing the risk of permanent disability.

Stroke Risk Factors

Several health conditions and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of having a stroke. Common stroke risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Heart disease or irregular heartbeat such as atrial fibrillation
• Obesity or being overweight
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Previous stroke or TIA
• Family history of stroke

How is a Stroke Diagnosed?

Fast and accurate diagnosis is important to identify the type of stroke and decide the most appropriate treatment. A stroke evaluation may include:

• Detailed neurological examination
• CT Brain Scan
• MRI Brain
• CT Angiography (CTA) or MR Angiography (MRA)
• Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), when required

These tests help doctors identify brain bleeding, blood clots, blocked arteries, and other problems affecting blood flow to the brain.

Stroke Treatment Options

Stroke treatment depends on the type of stroke, the location and severity of the problem, the patient's overall health, and how quickly treatment is started. Stroke treatment options may include:

• Intravenous Thrombolysis (Clot-Busting Treatment)
• Mechanical Thrombectomy for eligible patients
• Endovascular Stroke Treatment
• Cerebral Angiography (DSA)
• Carotid Artery Stenting in selected cases
• Medical Management and Neurological Monitoring
• Secondary Stroke Prevention
• Long-Term Stroke Follow-up and Rehabilitation

Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Stroke recovery is different for every patient and depends on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the stroke. Rehabilitation can help patients regain movement, communication skills, independence, and confidence after a stroke.

Depending on the patient's needs, stroke rehabilitation may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Cognitive Rehabilitation
• Balance and Mobility Training
• Nutritional Guidance
• Long-Term Neurological Follow-up

Book a Stroke Consultation

Stroke symptoms should never be ignored or treated as a minor problem. If you or someone around you develops sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, vision problems, dizziness, or severe headache, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Consult Dr. Abutahir Shaikh for expert stroke evaluation, emergency stroke management, neurointerventional treatment, stroke prevention, and long-term neurological care.