Recognising Stroke: Symptoms, Causes & Types Explained

We’ve all heard of a heart attack, but did you know about brain attacks? A brain attack, medically known as a stroke, is not to be confused with a heart attack. In both cases, the blood supply is disrupted; except in a stroke, the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted. 

A stroke needs immediate treatment as it is a serious medical emergency. It can have lasting consequences, such as permanent disability (paralysis) and sometimes even death. It is the second most common cause of death and disability globally.

Why does understanding stroke matter?

Understanding stroke is crucial because prompt recognition of symptoms and immediate medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes, reducing the risk of severe brain damage. Increased awareness also helps with prevention, as many strokes are linked to controllable factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet.

Strokes occur when something blocks the blood vessels to a part of the brain (ischemic stroke) or certain blood vessels burst inside the brain (haemorrhagic stroke), disrupting the blood supply to the brain cells. Additionally, a temporary blockage, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke, can serve as a warning sign for future strokes. The blockage is often caused by a piece of plaque or a blood clot in the circulation.

Common signs & symptoms of stroke

The primary symptoms of a stroke can be recalled with the acronym BE-FAST.

• Balance: Sudden spinning, unsteadiness, or a tendency to fall on one side

• Eyes: Sudden loss of vision, blurring of vision, double vision, or loss of one-half of the visual field

• Face: Drooping of the face to one side or inability to smile 

• Arms: Inability to lift both arms or numbness in the arms 

• Speech: Slurred speech, trouble speaking, disorientation, or confusion 

• Time: If you notice any of the symptoms above, call for help immediately. Time is of huge essence as almost 19-20 lakh neurons can suffer irreversible damage during every single minute lost to acute stroke. 

Other stroke symptoms include dizziness, unusually severe headaches, nausea or vomiting, difficulty with comprehension, and loss of balance or coordination.

Types of stroke

There are three main types of stroke: ischaemic, haemorrhagic, and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). 

Ischaemic strokes

Ischaemic strokes, the most common type, occur when a blood clot blocks or narrows a blood vessel, cutting off blood flow to the brain. 

Haemorrhagic strokes

Haemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts, causing bleeding and pressure that damages brain tissue. 

Transient ischaemic attack

A TIA, often called a mini-stroke, is a temporary blockage that resolves on its own but serves as a warning sign for future strokes. Understanding these types is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Brain stroke reasons

There are several underlying causes that increase the risk of stroke. Common reasons for brain stroke include:

• High blood pressure — The leading risk factor, as it puts extra strain on blood vessels

• Smoking — Damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots

• High cholesterol — Can lead to the build-up of plaques in arteries, restricting blood flow

• Diabetes — Can contribute to damage in blood vessels and poor circulation

• Heart conditions — Such as atrial fibrillation, can cause clots to travel to the brain

• Obesity and physical inactivity — Increase the risk of stroke through related conditions like hypertension and diabetes

• Excessive alcohol intake — Raises blood pressure and contributes to other risk factors

Stroke risk factors by age & gender

Stroke risk increases with age, particularly after 55, as conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease become more common. Men are generally at higher risk at a younger age, while women often experience strokes later in life, with more severe outcomes. Female-specific factors such as pregnancy, certain medications, and menopause can also raise the risk. Recognising these differences helps in early prevention and better management.

What puts you at risk for strokes?

Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure 

• Diabetes

• High cholesterol

• Cardiovascular diseases 

• Obstructive sleep apnoea

• A family history of strokes

• Obesity

• Old age

• Physical inactivity

• Taking certain medications

• Smoking 

Complications of stroke

A stroke can have lasting consequences on your body. The severity of these effects is dependent on two factors: the location of the blood flow obstruction in the brain and the extent of the brain tissue affected.

The common effects of stroke include: 

• Paralysis on the right or left side of the body

• Vision problems

• Speech or language problems

• Memory loss

• Slow, cautious behaviour

Rehabilitation is crucial for recovering from these effects. Doctors may recommend various forms of therapy to help patients recover from a stroke.

Prevention and lifestyle tips for stroke 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to decreasing the risk of stroke. This involves following a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, regularly exercising, quitting tobacco use, treating obstructive sleep apnoea, and effectively managing diabetes and hypertension.

The final takeaway

A brain stroke can strike without warning, but knowing the risks, symptoms, and ways to prevent it can make all the difference. Quick action saves lives and improves recovery, while simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke. Staying informed is not just important, it’s potentially life-saving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the common symptoms of a stroke?

Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, trouble speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, and severe headache are common signs.

2. Can strokes be prevented?

Yes, many strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, not smoking, and managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

3. Can a person recover fully after a stroke?

Recovery depends on the stroke’s severity and how quickly treatment is given. Many people recover with the help of rehabilitation, though some may have long-term effects.