Description

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident – CVA) A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cell damage due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. It is a medical emergency. 🔹 Types of Stroke Ischemic Stroke (≈ 80–85%) Due to blockage of a brain artery (blood clot, atherosclerosis). Subtypes: Thrombotic (local clot in cerebral artery) Embolic (clot travels from heart/carotid → brain) Hemorrhagic Stroke (≈ 15–20%) Due to rupture of blood vessel → bleeding inside/around brain. Causes: hypertension, aneurysm, AVM, trauma. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, “mini-stroke”) Temporary blockage with symptoms < 24 hrs. Warning sign of future stroke. 🔹 Risk Factors Modifiable: Hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease (AFib, valvular disease), alcohol, sedentary lifestyle. Non-modifiable: Age, male sex, family history, prior stroke/TIA. 🔹 Symptoms (FAST Rule 🚨) F – Face drooping (one side of face weak/numb) A – Arm weakness (unable to lift one arm) S – Speech difficulty (slurred, confused) T – Time to call emergency services Other symptoms: Sudden vision loss, severe headache, imbalance, dizziness, seizures, confusion.

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