A stroke is a medical emergency during which the blood supply to one part of your brain is either interrupted entirely or significantly reduced. When this occurs, your brain tissue does not receive the oxygen and nutrients it requires to function, and brain cells begin to die off within a matter of minutes.

There are three different types of strokes, which are as follows:

• Ischemic Stroke: this type of stroke is the most common, accounting for approximately 87 percent of all strokes. Ischemic strokes involve blocked or reduced blood flow within the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the area of the brain where the stroke occurs. An ischemic stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency.

• Transient Ischemic Attack: also known as a mini-stroke, a transient ischemic attack involves a temporary interruption in blood flow to the brain. Such strokes last approximately five minutes and are considered warning signs that an ischemic stroke, which is much more severe, could be imminent. As such, while a transient ischemic attack is not generally a life-threatening medical emergency, it does require urgent medical attention to prevent an ischemic stroke from occurring.

• Hemorrhagic Stroke: this type of stroke is less common than ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks and also affects the brain differently. Whereas ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks involve blocked or reduced blood flow to the brain, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures, causing excessive blood flow and pressure to the surrounding brain tissues. Although they are less common, hemorrhagic strokes are life-threatening medical emergencies and can result in the same complications as an ischemic stroke.

The causes of ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks are different from those of hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks are commonly caused by the following:

• Atherosclerosis (i.e., narrowing of your arteries)
• Blood clots, which can occur due to conditions like arrhythmia or myocarditis
• High cholesterol
• Hypotension, or low blood pressure

Individuals with the following medical conditions, life stages, or habits are considered at an increased risk of a stroke:

• Adults aged 55 and older
• Alcohol or drug addiction
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Inadequate exercise and physical activity
• Obesity
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Tobacco use

If you notice any signs and symptoms of a stroke in yourself or someone you care for, which typically occur suddenly, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. Some of those symptoms may include:

• Confusion or difficulty comprehending the meaning of what others are saying, even with simple questions or statements
• Dizziness and difficulty walking
• Extreme headache
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Numbness or paralysis on one side of your body, typically noticeable in the arm, face, or leg
• Slurred speech or trouble speaking in general
• Visual problems in one or both eyes

If you have experienced a stroke, our rehabilitative doctors at Cape Fear Physical Medicine & Rehab would be pleased to help you recover from a stroke well.

If you have experienced a stroke, our rehabilitative doctors at Cape Fear Physical Medicine & Rehab would be pleased to help you recover from a stroke well. For more information about our services or an appointment with us, we welcome you to give us a call or schedule an appointment through our website. We serve patients from Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Hope Mills, Wade, Stedman, Lumberton, Lillington, Raeford, and Vander NC.