A stroke is a medical emergency.
Brain cells in every part of the brain are provided with a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients by a network of blood vessels. If that supply is cut off at any one point, brain cells further down begin to die. That is a stroke.
A stroke could be caused by:
• A blood clot that becomes stuck in one of the brain’s arteries, blocking blood flow
• A cholesterol-filled plaque inside the artery breaks causing a clot inside the artery
• A blood clot or solid debris travels through the blood vessels to the brain, where it blocks a brain artery
• A blood vessel in the brain bursts
Different areas of the brain are responsible for different functions. The symptoms of stroke depend on the area affected.
Symptoms can be changes in sensation, movement, sight, speech, balance, and coordination. Sometimes before a stroke, the person may have brief experiences of stroke-like symptoms that last for a few minutes or a day – but go away on their own.
If you think that you, or someone you are with, is having a stroke, get to a hospital right away.
Request an Appointment with our experts at K J Somaiya Hospital, Super Specialty Centre.