Stroke is an umbrella term for a set of conditions that are all characterized by loss of blood-flow to the brain. There are clear, recognizable signs and symptoms of a stroke, which are known by the acronym ‘FAST’. Stroke is a generic term and there are actually 5 different types of strokes. In this article, we will learn more about them.
The human brain is the main component of the Central Nervous System and hence one of the most important organs in the body. Although it’s just 2% of the total body-weight (for example – 1.6 kgs in a person who weighs 80 kg), it requires as much as 15-20% of the total blood supply, for proper functioning. The brain stem is a pipeline at the base of the brain which acts as a conduit for arteries and veins leading in and out of the brain. The brain receives blood from the heart through 2 sources: the carotid circuit consisting of internal carotid arteries, and another circuit made of vertebral arteries which converge at a point on the brain stem.
Any blockage, or any disruption to blood-flow, anywhere in this supply network, can affect blood-supply to the brain. Tissues that are no longer served the necessary blood start dying out. As a result, functionalities provided by those tissues no longer work. This condition can be temporary or permanent and is called a ‘brain stroke’, or just stroke.
Stroke can be a serious condition that can cause life-threatening conditions or permanent disability. A patient who has just suffered a stroke must be rushed immediately to the hospital in the golden hour, so that effects of the condition can be reversed. To do so, one must be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke. These signs are known by the acronym FAST.
There are 5 different types of strokes with their own unique cause, risk factors, unique symptoms and risk of complications. However, FAST is relevant in all of these types.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
Updated on 2nd Feb 2024
The information about pediatric stroke was new to me. Short and precise read!
The article with infographics made it easy to get the point across.
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