What Is a Stroke?

The brain must have a constant supply of oxygen and blood delivered by blood vessels; when the supply is cut off or interrupted, brain cells begin to die. This, in essence, is a stroke. Think of a stroke as a brain attack — similar in many ways to a heart attack. In both cases, blocked blood vessels often cause the injury to the organ, which results in limited or no circulation of blood.

Strokes can occur closer to the surface of the brain or can occur deep within the brain. The damage experienced varies widely from person to person. The type of stroke, where it occurs, and the severity, all play a role in the prognosis and recovery timeline.

Strokes fall into two general categories: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes are the result of a blockage in a blood vessel in the neck or brain, while hemorrhagic strokes are the result of bleeding into the brain. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of strokes.

Ischemic Stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain or the neck are blocked. This blockage cuts off the circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain. In fact, ischemic strokes are by far the most common, with up to 90 percent of all strokes caused by a blockage. There are three leading causes of an ischemic stroke:

Thrombosis: A clot forms inside an artery in the brain or neck due to cholesterol-filled plaque that dislodges and starts to move. One-half to two-thirds of all strokes fall into this category.

Embolism: A clot that moves from another part of the body to the brain, blocking an essential artery.

Stenosis: Severe narrowing of an artery leading to the brain that cuts off the proper circulation of blood and oxygen.

Up to one-fifth of all strokes are a lacunar stroke, according to Harvard Medical School.  A lacunar stroke falls into the ischemic stroke category as it is a result of a blockage in a blood vessel; however, this stroke occurs in the tiny arteries deep inside the brain. The pounding pulse of high blood pressure damages these delicate arteries, often causing these strokes.

Fortunately, lacunar strokes have a far better recovery rate than other types with more than 90 percent of survivors recovering significantly within the first 90 days after the stroke.  However, it is important to note that this kind of stroke may have very minor symptoms that may be harder to recognize; as with all strokes, immediate emergency medical intervention is necessary for the best results.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA) are also known as a mini stroke. Here, like an ischemic stroke, blood flow is temporarily decreased. These often last for less than five minutes. These mini strokes typically don’t cause lasting symptoms because the blockage is temporary; however, it is still essential to seek emergency care immediately, even if the symptoms clear. TIAs put you at a significantly greater risk for strokes that can cause permanent damage or death. 

Hemorrhagic Stroke. Considerably rarer than an ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic strokes are estimated to account for only between 10 and 15 percent of cases. However, they account for between 30 and 60 percent of all stroke-related deaths. Instead of a clot causing a blockage in an artery, a blood vessel ruptures, leaking blood into the brain. The blood then builds up, compressing brain tissue, causing the damage associated with a stroke. There are two main causes of a hemorrhagic stroke: aneurysm and AVM. 

Aneurysm. When a cerebral aneurysm bursts, or a weakened blood vessel leaks, a hemorrhagic stroke can occur. Somewhere between 1.5 and 5 percent of the general population has, or will develop, a cerebral aneurysm. However, only between 0.5 and 3 percent will suffer from a brain bleed. High blood pressure is believed to contribute and pose an increased risk. 

AVM. Arteriovenous Malformation, or AVM, are typically congenital (but not hereditary). They are believed to occur in less than 1 percent of the population. With AVM, arteries are abnormal, often appearing tangled, causing blood to divert from the arteries to the brain. Twenty-five percent of those with AVM will experience bleeding into the brain causing brain damage and stroke.

What Are the 23 Warning Signs of a Stroke?

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the following warning signs of a stroke, please seek emergency medical attention immediately — even if the symptoms fluctuate or disappear. The sooner treatment can begin, the better the prognosis for recovery.

FAST Test

Use the “FAST” test to determine if you, or some you love is having a stroke:

Face: Smile into the mirror, does one side of the face droop?

Arms: Raise both arms above the head, does one drift or fall, or is one arm unable to raise?

Speech: Repeat a simple phrase, is speech slurred or strange?

Time: If you observe any of these signs, get emergency help immediately.

In addition to the FAST test, remember that depending on the type of stroke, where the stroke is occurring, and the severity of the stroke, the signs and symptoms can vary greatly. Here are the most common warning signs of a stroke: 

• Headache that is unusual, and severe
• Unusual or slurred speech
• Inability to speak
• Sudden weakness on one side of the body
• Paralysis in the face, arm, or leg
• Sudden numbness or tingling in any part of the body, including the face
• Stiff neck
• Severe muscle stiffness that comes on rapidly
• Compromised coordination of the arms, hands and legs
• Unsteady walk or poor balance resulting in staggering, weaving or veering
• Vision loss, blurred vision, double vision, or trouble focusing
• Inability to look at a bright light or sunshine
• Unusual rapid eye movements or involuntary eye movements
• Seizure
• Vomiting and nausea
• Dizziness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Irregular breathing
• Stupor
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Unusual behaviors
• Loss of consciousness or coma

Stroke Causes and Risk Factors

Eighty percent of all strokes are preventable, according to the American Stroke Association.  Minimize your risk of stroke by recognizing opportunities for improving your general overall health:

• High Blood Pressure: According to Dr. Natalie Rost, associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, and associate director of Acute Stroke Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, “High blood pressure is the biggest contributor to the risk of stroke in both men and women.”
• Being Overweight: Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight lowers your risk for high blood pressure and other known stroke risk factors. 
• Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular heartbeats can cause clots to form in the heart that then break away and travel to the brain. Those with atrial fibrillation are at a five-fold risk of stroke.
• Diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes damage blood vessels over time, making blood clots more likely.
• Smoking: Smoking thickens blood, increases plaque buildup, and accelerates clot formation.
• Family History: There is a genetic tendency in strokes; a predisposition to heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, as well as lifestyle, are believed to be risk factors for stroke.
• High Cholesterol: Excessive LDL can cause plaque buildup in the blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis, a common stroke cause.
• Gender: Men have a higher risk for stroke: however, more women die from stroke.
• Race: African Americans and those with sickle cell disease have a heightened risk for stroke.
• TIA: If you’ve had previous strokes or TIAs, you are at a greater risk.
• AVM: The vein abnormalities associated with AVM put you at an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke.
• Alcohol Abuse: Men who consume two or more drinks a day and women who consume one or more drinks per day are at an increased risk. Cirrhosis is associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly hemorrhagic stroke. 
• Drug Use: The use of cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines increases the risk for stroke.
• Poor Sleep: Sleep disorders are linked to heart health; insomnia and sleep apnea influence diabetes, obesity and blood pressure. The brain needs periods of regeneration to stay healthy.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: Recent studies indicate that low vitamin D levels are associated with higher risk for stroke, and worse outcomes in patients suffering from ischemic strokes. 
• Using Artificial Sweeteners: A recent study examined the soda drinking behaviors of close to 3,000 adults and found that drinking diet soft drinks nearly triples the risk of stroke and dementia. 

Dr Axe, Co-Founder of Ancient Nutrition