04/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/19/2024 15:09
Stroke and aneurysm are often confused, but the two are very different. When symptoms occur, they both become medical emergencies.
There are two types of strokes. Approximately 90% of strokes are ischemic strokes. This type of stroke happens when an artery that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a clot. The second type of stroke is hemorrhagic. Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a weakened blood vessel in the brain or between the brain and skull ruptures and bleeds. While less common, the consequences of hemorrhagic stroke are just as severe.
Reducing risk factors can lessen your chance of stroke. Some risks cannot be eliminated or changed, but modifiable risk factors are those you can decrease with diet and lifestyle improvements.
Risk factors for ischemic stroke include:
Hemorrhagic stroke risk factors include:
The American Stroke Association uses the acronym F.A.S.T. to identify the warning signs of stroke.
Some medical groups now use the acronym BE-FAST. B - Balance problems, including coordination problems or sudden dizziness. E - Eyes. Sudden vision changes and difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes.
Clot-busting drugs administered within three hours after the first symptoms of ischemic stroke improves the chances of stroke recovery and reduces disability. Hemorrhagic stroke may require surgery or other procedures to halt the bleeding.
The goal of rehabilitation after stroke is to help the stroke survivor become as independent as possible. Rehabilitation should start in the hospital as soon as your condition is stable. Depending on the area of the brain affected, rehabilitation therapy may be needed to help with speech, movement, coordination and activities of daily living. It can also improve mental health. It offers the best chance to regain abilities and learn to function more fully with deficits caused by stroke.
An aneurysm happens when an artery becomes weakened, causing an area along the artery wall to widen or bulge outward. If the artery expands quickly or ruptures, symptoms occur, and it becomes a medical emergency. The most common areas for an aneurysm are in the aorta - the main artery that supplies blood from the heart to the body; the cerebral artery in the brain; the popliteal artery behind the knee; the mesenteric artery that flows to the intestine; and the splenic artery in the spleen.
Aneurysms can be hereditary, or they may develop due to injury or aortic disease. Cerebral aneurysms that develop in the arteries of the brain can occur in men or women of any age, but they are most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 60, particularly women.
Risk factors for aneurysm include:
Some aneurysms are more likely to rupture than others. Aneurysm shape, size, location and thickness are all factors doctors take into account when determining the likelihood of rupture.
Symptoms don't typically develop unless the aneurysm grows large, leaks or ruptures. A large aneurysm that is pushing on nerves and tissues may produce the following symptoms:
Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:
When an aneurysm leaks a small amount of blood into the brain, it is considered a warning sign that the aneurysm may rupture in the days or weeks to come. Not all leaky aneurysms produce symptoms, but a severe headache with or without other symptoms should signal the need for an immediate medical evaluation.
Small unruptured aneurysms may not require treatment. Your doctor may recommend monitoring the aneurysm depending on the type, size, risk of rupture, your age, overall health and risk of treatment.
Treatment for ruptured aneurysms or those at risk of rupture include:
Following surgery to repair a ruptured brain aneurysm, extensive rehabilitation is required to address physical, emotional and cognitive changes. Recovery may be a long process requiring intensive therapy. Physical therapy is used to build muscle strength, regain balance, and relearn movements. Occupational therapy assists in activities of daily living including dressing, showering, cooking, feeding and other routine tasks. Speech therapy focuses on regaining the ability to speak and swallow.
The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical conditions or treatments.