Understanding Stroke: Causes, Types, and What Happens Next

A stroke is a condition which can cause severe problems and occurs in case the blood circulation is disrupted in the brain. This can deny the brain tissue oxygen when that flow ceases even temporarily. It has the possibility of causing permanent harm to an individual based on the part of the brain that was damaged and how early the individual got medical attention. The earlier a person receives care, the higher the possibility to constrain the effects.

Types of Stroke

There are a few different kinds of strokes, and each one affects the body differently:

• Ischaemic stroke: This is the most common type. It happens when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked.

• Haemorrhagic stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain.

  • Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) involves bleeding inside the brain itself.

  • Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) happens when there’s bleeding on the surface between the brain’s protective layers.

• Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA): This is also known as mini stroke and occurs when there is some disruption of blood flow towards the brain. The symptoms are not so long and it is a red flag but the thing is that it might be further complicated by the case of a serious stroke unless it will be stopped.

• Cryptogenic stroke: This is a stroke with no known cause, even after testing.

Brainstem stroke: A stroke in the brainstem may affect both sides of the body and even lead to a condition when an individual is conscious but he or she cannot talk or move.

What Can Lead to a Stroke?

A person may have strokes at any age. There are a number of things that may increase the risk:

• Ischaemic strokes are commonly as a result of a blockage which mostly is as a result of blood clots or narrowing of arteries by fatty deposits. Such conditions as atrial fibrillation may as well contribute.
• Causes of the haemorrhagic strokes include high blood pressure but could also result due to injuries, aneurysms, or any blood vessels deformities.
• Cryptogenic strokes do not have an obvious beginning.
• Blood clots also usually cause brainstem strokes, which are often ischaemic.

The good thing is that most of the strokes (except those dealing with more than 80 per cent) are preventable through proper awareness of health activities.

Risk Factors to Be Aware Of

There are health and lifestyle habits to consider which may significantly contribute to elevated stroke risks; even though not all possible risk factors, such as age or genetics could be changed, there are a number of habits which could significantly contribute to the risk of getting a stroke:

• Being overweight
• Low cholesterol levels
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Drinking heavily
• Insufficient exercise
• Salt or unhealthy fats rich diets
• Ongoing stress

Addressing these risk factors can be of much help in keeping you off the risk of stroke.

Recognising the Signs: Think F.A.S.T.

If someone is having a stroke, acting fast can make all the difference. The Stroke Foundation suggests using the F.A.S.T. test:

• Face – Is one side of the face drooping?
• Arms – Can both arms be lifted evenly?
• Speech – Is speech slurred or unclear?
• Time – Every second counts. Call 000 immediately if you notice any of these signs.

Other possible symptoms include:

• Sudden and severe headaches
• Numbness or weakness, especially on one side
• Difficulty speaking or understanding others
• Blurred or lost vision
• Trouble swallowing
• Loss of balance, dizziness, or poor coordination

If anything feels “off” and stroke is suspected, don’t wait call emergency services straight away.

What Happens After a Stroke?

Recovery of every individual person has a different appearance. There are individuals who get well fast, as well as those who would take assistance in the long time to cope with the post-effects.

In most cases, brain scan is done initially so as to know what type of stroke was experienced. There, a treatment scheme can involve a medicine to dissolve clots or an operation to eliminate them.

The duration that a person will spend in hospital will vary based on the severity of strokes and how they reacted after treatment and on the general health.

Though once brain damage has been sustained there is no option of undoing it, the brain can compensate extremely well. This phenomenon is known as neuroplasticity and through it they are able to learn how other people perform some of the things that they might have lost. It is here where rehabilitation becomes very important.

In many cases early rehab may offer the best results. This may include physiotherapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy in cases of the affected areas. The most important thing, however, is to begin as soon as the situation allows it, because during those first months after the accident recovery can be more efficient.

Can You Access NDIS Support After a Stroke?

There are over 445,000 Australians that are already living with the consequences of stroke, as per the Stroke Foundation. Most people will still require some help with everyday life, for movement or even communication particularly where disability is mild or severe.

Based on the effect, stroke victims can access either National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or aged care schemes depending on their conditions.

When participants are qualified for funding, they can obtain various options of support through their plan. By using the services available through facilities and services such as Support Network, someone can be able to refer to independent support workers who can help them with their daily activities, recovery and community involvement.