The brain requires oxygen to function correctly, but a stroke can occur if that supply is cut off. It only takes a few minutes for brain cells to die without blood or oxygen, making it harder for the brain to function. Depending on where the stroke is located in the brain, it might affect your ability to walk, talk, eat, think, remember and control your bladder or other bodily systems.
The primary types of strokes are ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are the most common, accounting for 87 percent of all strokes. These occur when a blood clot or plaque from cholesterol blocks a major cranial blood vessel. Hemorrhagic strokes happen when arteries rupture and leak into the brain. The nearby tissue then gains lots of pressure, causing more damage.
Symptoms of this condition can happen differently for each individual. Either way, the earlier you identify the warning signs of a stroke, the better the outcome.
To remind you of symptoms, the American Heart Association has come up with the acronym F.A.S.T. Stroke symptoms in men and women include:
Some other symptoms to be aware of are:
The signs of a silent stroke are often unnoticeable. Usually, the damage is minor and occurs in an area of the brain that does not control vital functions. As a result, the stroke may go undetected.
Even the affected person may not realize they have undergone a minor stroke until the damage shows up on a brain scan. While most symptoms go undetected, it is important to watch for these silent stroke symptoms:
A mini stroke is also known medically as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). These are brief stroke-like attacks that can resolve themselves within minutes or hours. While they are quick and temporary, it is still essential to seek medical help. TIAs are often signs of a future stroke, so it’s advisable to seek treatment and prevent more from happening.
Mini stroke symptoms mimic those of a full stroke, such as:
It is imperative to seek medical treatment if a mini stroke is detected in the elderly. Due to their age, the danger of a full stroke is a lot higher. If a stroke occurs, their risk of dementia will also increase.
