The three types of stroke

Ischemic stroke

Ischaemic strokeThe term ischaemia refers to an interruption of blood flow to an organ⁵. A stroke is therefore considered to be ischaemic when it is caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain. Incidentally, this is the most common type of stroke⁶.

Haemorrhagic stroke

The term Haemorrhage refers to a flow of blood out of the blood vessels⁷. A stroke is therefore described as haemorrhagic when it is caused by a rupture of an artery in the brain⁶.

The mini Stroke

In the literal sense, a mini-stroke is not a stroke. It is more likely to be a transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIA is an impairment of cerebral function due to a temporary interruption of blood supply to the brain that usually lasts less than an hour⁸.

The causes and symptoms of TIA and ischaemic stroke are identical. However, unlike stroke, TIA does not appear to cause permanent damage to the brain. The symptoms of TIA disappear completely and quickly, and the number of brain cells that die is very small.

TIA can be a premonitory sign of an impending ischaemic stroke. Recognising a TIA, identifying the cause and treating it can help prevent a stroke⁸.

Stroke symptoms

The FAST method

Face - Is it drooping? Is there any deformity of the mouth?  

Arms- Can the victim raise both arms at the same time?  

Speak - Does the victim have any speech or pronunciation problems?

Time - Promptly call the pre-hospital emergency services (9-1-1)⁹.

Although the FAST signs are the most common, they are not the only ones. You may also experience: Intense and sudden headaches, localised numbness in just one side of the body, blurred vision or dizziness causing complications with balance⁹.

In case of symptoms

What to do

• Stop all activity, loosen clothing and place the victim in a comfortable position.

• Cover the victim with a warm blanket or aluminium foil.

• Call 9-1-1 immediately.

• Reassess vital signs regularly.

The treatment

Medical objectives

On arrival at the hospital, the medical team has three objectives:

1. Stabilise your condition.

2. Propose a diagnosis (what type of stroke).

3. Implement treatment according to the type of stroke¹⁰.

In the event of ischaemic stroke

Victims who go within three hours of the onset of the first symptoms to hospital, can receive a type of medicine called a thrombolytic, breaking up the clots. Those who receive this medication are more likely to make a full recovery. They are also less likely to need long-term care.  

If the victim goes to hospital after three hours, professionals may administer other drugs, such as anticoagulants, or perform surgery to remove the clot³.

In the event of haemorrhagic stroke

There are several treatments available to stop the haemorrhage and save the brain tissue, such as taking medication.

Endovascular procedures can help repair a weak spot or rupture in a blood vessel.  

If the bleeding is caused by a ruptured aneurysm, a metal staple can be put in place to stop the blood loss³. For this case, it will therefore be a surgical treatment.

Recovery

After-effects

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the after-effects of a stroke can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person.

The severity of the after-effects

Severity depends on factors such as :

• The type of stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic);

• The regions and the hemisphere of the brain in which the stroke occurred (left or right);

• The extent of the damaged area of the brain;

• The body functions that this region controls;

• The duration of the interruption of blood flow to the affected part of the brain⁶.

The origin of risks

Be aware of your own risks

Knowing your risk factors is essential, as it enables you to make certain lifestyle choices that will help reduce them.

Unfortunately, some of these risk factors are uncontrollable. However, knowing them allows you to be aware of your own risk, to pay more attention to your health and to watch out for warning signs.

Lifestyle habits

• The adoption of an unhealthy diet

• Lack of exercise

• Unhealthy weight

• Smoking

- Rhythm of life conducive 

• The consumption of alcohol, smoke and recreational drugs

Causes that cannot be controlled

Age: The risk increases as we get older.

Gender: Due to their distinct cardiovascular physiology and the multiple hormonal changes experienced during their lives, certain risks are specific to women. As an example, the risk increases after the menopause.

History: family and medical.

Aboriginal background: Unfortunately, "First Nations, Inuit and Métis people suffer more frequently from high blood pressure and diabetes¹¹."

African and South Asian origins: Like people of Aboriginal origin, the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes is higher for people of African and South Asian origin.

Pregnancy factors

Due to stress, weight gain and hormonal changes, pregnancy can indirectly lead to problems that increase the risk of stroke, such as :

• Hypertension

• Pre-eclampsia

• Gestational diabetes

In brief

No one is immune from a stroke. However, certain actions can be taken to reduce the risk. Taking care of your body and mind by adopting healthy habits can make all the difference!