A stroke occurs when reduced bloodflow to the brain causes brain cell death. Some strokes result in permanent disability, whereas others are so mild that they go unnoticed.

What are the different Types of Stroke?

A stroke is an interruption in blood supply to the brain that causes brain cell
death. Some strokes result in permanent disability, whereas others are so mild
that they go unnoticed. Depending on where a stroke occurs in the brain and the
severity of the stroke, one or more body systems may be affected. For these
reasons, it is safe to say that stroke does not always look the same from person
to person.

The Two Major Types of Stroke:
 1. Ischemic stroke
 2. Hemorrhagic stroke



Ischemic Stroke
Over 80% of strokes are ischemic strokes, resulting when a vessel within the
brain is blocked by a blood clot or other bodily matter. This blockage reduces
oxygen-delivering blood flow and causes progressive brain tissue death. A drug
known as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can be given within the first few
hours of stroke to help dissolve a blood clot and restore blood flow, thereby
improving outcomes. As it may be hard to recognize the signs of a stroke
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-are-early-warning-signs-of-stroke], may
individuals miss the “window” for tPA and are treated via other means.

Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic strokes are less common, resulting from bleeding within the brain
and skull. Blood vessels altered by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), brain
aneurysm, or a disease process may be more likely to rupture and bleed. A
ruptured vessel can cause blood to accumulate within the brain, compressing its
tissues and causing a dangerous increase in pressure, leading to cell death.
Hemorrhagic strokes may be treated by reducing pressure within the skull and
administering drugs to stop the bleeding.

What is a mini-stroke?
The term “mini-stroke”
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/ministroke-and-stroke-what-should-we-do] is
often used to describe a mild stroke-like episode from which someone recovers
quickly. This type of stroke is known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA.
Like an ischemic stroke, a TIA is caused by reduced bloodflow to the brain;
however, the symptoms of a TIA resolve within an hour. Despite the fact that a
TIA may seem like a passing event, this type of mini-stroke is usually a warning
sign of a future, bigger stroke. Over 30% of individuals who have a TIA will
have a larger stroke within the year. Therefore, it is important to discuss any
experience of stroke-like symptoms with your doctor.

If you have had a stroke and are looking for an effective solution for your
rehabilitation needs, please look into the Neofect
[https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home] line of Smart Rehabilitation products
[https://shop.neofect.com/]. Our neurorehabilitation products include support
from occupational therapists [https://www.neofect.com/us/therapist] to maximize
functional gains. Please call (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984] or email us at 
info@neofect.com for further inquiry.



--
*References:

 1. American Stroke Association. Types of Stroke. 2019, 
    https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke.
    
    
 2. Mayo Clinic. Stroke: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Foundation for Medical
    Education and Research, 5 Sept. 2019, 
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
    .
    
    

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the Neofect website is solely at your
own risk.

Stroke Recovery

What are the Different Types of Stroke?

Stroke is a disease caused by the abrupt stoppage of blood flow to the brain. When the blood vessel providing oxygen and nutrients is disrupted, your brain is cut-off from the supply of those critical components, and causing your brain cells to quickly die. 

What causes stroke?


Stroke is a disease caused by the abrupt stoppage of blood flow to the brain.
When the blood vessel providing oxygen and nutrients is disrupted, your brain is
cut-off from the supply of those critical components, causing your brain cells
to quickly die. When a stroke causes restricted blood flow to a particular
region of the brain, that region’s performance is altered.

Read more about understanding your brain and stroke.
[https://blog.neofect.com/understanding-your-brain-and-stroke/]

Types of Strokes:
These disruptions can be caused by one of two things: a blockage or a ruptured
blood vessel. The disturbance of blood flow by a blockage, also referred to as a
clot, results in an ischemic stroke. The latter scenario, lack of blood flow due
to ruptured a blood vessel, is the cause of a hemorrhagic stroke. You may have
also heard of a “mini stroke” or a TIA (transient ischemic attack), which is
caused by a temporary clot.

Learn more about Mini Strokes
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/ministroke-and-stroke-what-should-we-do]

Your brain is divided into two hemispheres, left and right. Each hemisphere
manages its own responsibilities, hence the common myth of being a
“left-brained” or “right-brained” thinker based off of personal strengths.
Right-brained thinkers tend to be analytical and mathematical while left-brained
thinkers are creative and artistic. The two hemispheres explains why a stroke
and its effects will look different depending on which side of the brain it
occurs. This is due to the contralateral relationship between the brain and the
body. This means that when the left side of the body, for example, has been
affected by a stroke, the injury to the brain likely occurred in the right
hemisphere, and vice versa.



You can read more about the symptoms and effects of a stroke on the left or
right side of the brain here.

5 Symptoms of a Stroke on the Right Side of the Brain
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/5-symptoms-right-side-stroke-brain]
5 Symptoms of a Stroke on the Left Side of the Brain
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/5-symptoms-left-side-stroke-brain]

Stroke Causes:


While the exact cause of some strokes is ultimately unknown, there is heavy
research on a number of factors that have been directly linked to the disease.
While not all of the factors are within your control, knowing the high risk
factors is an important part of prevention, especially if you are in an at-risk
group or have already experienced a previous stroke.

Lifestyle risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, heavy alcohol use,
illicit drug use, and exposure to cigarette smoke - first and secondhand.

Medically-treatable factors include cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol,
diabetes, and high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the most prevalent
cause and more than doubles your risk of having a stroke. Understanding why
maintaining your blood pressure is so important is vital to prevention of first
and recurrent strokes. To learn more check out Why is Maintaining Healthy Blood
Pressure Important?
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/why-maintaining-healthy-blood-pressure-important]

Uncontrollable factors include age, family history, race, gender, and having a
previous stroke. If you have already experienced one stroke, you are at an even
higher risk for having another. Within five years, the likelihood of a secondary
stroke can grow up to 40%. Recurrent strokes are also more likely to be fatal
and cause long term disability. You can read more about recurrent stroke
prevention here
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/how-can-i-prevent-having-another-stoke].

If you appear to have had a stroke, your medical professional will likely
perform tests as confirmation. They may continue to order these specific tests
that provide more insight into the nature of your particular case to monitor
your condition. Learn more about medical tests for diagnosing strokes here
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/medical-tests-for-diagnosing-strokes].

You can also read more in depth about the causes of strokes here. What Causes a
Stroke: 7 Major Stroke Risk Factors
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/7-major-stroke-risk-factors]

Find more resources on stroke management.
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/stroke-management]