by Angela Mcelroy

Created on: May 17, 2009

Strokes occur when blood vessels in the body suddenly burst or become blocked. These vessels carry oxygen and other nutrients in to the body. The brain begins to deteriorate when the blockages stop the flow of blood. To keep the body functioning properly cells must have a continuous supply of blood. The heart constantly pumps blood to the brain through the arteries. The disruption of the blood supply is what causes the stroke, also known as a "cerebrovascular accident (CVA). There are several different types of strokes.

The ishemic srokes include thrombotic and embolic strokes occur when a blood vessel is blocked. The thrombotic stroke is the type usually seen among victims. The blood clot or thrombus forms in the artery of the brain which blocks blood flow. Arteries that are damaged by artherosclerois are where clots form most often. Artherosclerosis is a disease where the walls of the arteries have built up fatty deposits.These deposits narrow the passageway which does not allow the blood to flow properly.

An embolism is caused by a clot that forms somewhere other than the brain. A piece of clot travels through the blood stream to the brain. The clot travels through the arteries. As the artery narrows the clot gets where it can go no further. The clot plugs the vessel and cuts off the blood supply which causes the embolism.

Hemorrhagic strokes is another main category of stroke. This type stroke happens when blood vessels around or near the brain ruptures. Blood spills into or around the brain. The cells do not get their normal supply of nutrients and stop working as they should. The spilled blood then clots and interrupts brain function. Most likely cause of this type stroke is atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Strokes are usually preceded by "mini-strokes". They are caused by small disruptions to the brain. They usually occur rapidly within minutes to just a few hours. Then the victim may feel normal again. "Mini-stokes" also known as transient ischemic attacks can happen days or even weeks before a full blown stroke.

Some warning signs of strokes include but are not limited to sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis. A victim of a stroke may have trouble speaking or cannot speak at all.. The sudden loss of vision especially in one eye or an unusually severe headache may also be a sign. If any of these signs occur it is imperative that medical attention is sought. There is a good chance for recovery if no time is wasted.

Source:

http://strokecenter.stanford.edu/guide/warning.html

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