A stroke is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. It is important to quickly recognize the symptoms of a stroke and seek immediate medical attention, as every minute counts in reducing damage and promoting recovery. 

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial to ensure immediate intervention, and since the symptoms are mixed with other neurological diseases, we point out to you the most prominent symptoms that may indicate a stroke: 

• Drooping of one side of the face or numbness and loss of sensation.
• Weakness or numbness in one arm.
• Difficulties in speaking, or weakness in pronunciation and understanding.
• Vision changes or double vision in one or both eyes.
• A sudden, severe headache, often described as the worst headache experience in an individual's life.

It is important to note that these symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of stroke.

See: مFocus on rehabilitation of neurological injuries and stroke

Symptoms of a minor stroke

Symptoms of a mini-stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), are:

• Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body.
• Unclear speech.
• Difficulty understanding others.
• Loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Double vision.
• Vertigo.
• Loss of balance or coordination.

These symptoms last only a few minutes to a few hours, and disappear completely within 24 hours.

It is important to recognize these signs quickly and seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services if you or someone else is experiencing one, as a transient ischemic attack is a warning sign that there is not enough blood supply to the brain;

How many days do stroke symptoms last?

The extent to which stroke symptoms last can vary depending on several factors, including the type of stroke and the speed of medical intervention. 

In general, stroke symptoms may last from a few minutes to a day (24 hours) or even days. 

It is important to remember that even if stroke symptoms disappear, it is still important to seek medical care, as this is a sign of a blood clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain, and serves as a warning of a future stroke.

Read also: When is a stroke fatal?

Causes of stroke

The causes of stroke can be classified into two main types, the first due to interruption of blood supply to the brain, and the second due to cerebral hemorrhage.

Ischemic stroke: interruption of blood flow to the brain

Ischemic stroke accounts for about 87% of all stroke cases, and it occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or fatty deposits and cholesterol accumulate;

There is a type of stroke that is transient, which is transient ischemic stroke (TIA), meaning the interruption of blood flow is temporary. 

Although transient stroke usually lasts for a short time, it should be treated seriously as it is a warning sign of serious complications.

Hemorrhagic stroke: bleeding in the brain

On the other hand, hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain.

What are common risk factors for stroke?

Several factors increase the likelihood of a stroke, the most prominent of which include: 

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• smoking;
• Diabetes and weak blood vessels.
• High cholesterol, which contributes to the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries.
• Obesity and lack of regular physical activity.
• Family history. Individuals with a genetic history of stroke may have a higher risk of developing it.
• Age and gender: The risk of stroke increases with age, and men are often at greater risk than women.

It is important to manage these factors through lifestyle modifications and appropriate medical interventions;

Stroke treatment

When a stroke occurs, time is of the essence.

Stroke treatment aims to restore blood flow to the brain, prevent further damage, and treat any complications to improve the chances of recovery and reduce long-term disability.

Stroke medications

A variety of medications are prescribed to treat and manage stroke, depending on its type and severity.

• Clot-busting medicationsIschemic strokes, caused by blood clots that block blood vessels in the brain, can be treated with thrombolytic medications, such as Alteplase. 

Studies indicate that this treatment is most effective when taken within approximately 4 and a half hours of a stroke.

• Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants, such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants, may be prescribed;
• Antiplatelet medications: Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, may be used to prevent blood clots from forming.

Treating stroke with surgery

In severe cases, emergency surgery may be performed in several ways;

• Carotid endarterectomy: This surgical procedure involves removing plaque buildup and plaque from the main arteries that supply the brain.
• Surgical thrombectomy: This procedure involves removing a blood clot from a blocked blood vessel.

On the other hand, hemorrhagic strokes, caused by a burst blood vessel in the brain, may require surgery to repair or patch the damaged blood vessel and remove any blood from the brain.

In addition, supportive therapies such as managing blood pressure, chronic diseases, and treating complications, such as hydrocephalus, may be necessary for individuals who have had a hemorrhagic stroke.

It is worth noting that early detection of stroke symptoms and immediate medical intervention is crucial.

After receiving initial medical treatment, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in the recovery process. 

The goal of rehabilitation is to help individuals restore their normal lives, correct the damage that occurred, improve their movement and communication skills, and adapt to any physical or mental disabilities resulting from the stroke.

Can a stroke be cured?

Recovery rates from stroke complications can be increased the earlier and faster the start of treatment. 

Doctors can manage complications through the above-mentioned therapeutic methods to restore normal blood flow in the brain and stop further damage resulting from a stroke. The patient must adhere to taking the medications prescribed for treatment and follow prevention methods to avoid the condition recurring and its impact on greater harm.

Although it is not possible to restore damaged brain tissue, rehabilitation recommended by doctors plays a crucial role in recovery and improving quality of life after a stroke.

Stroke is an emergency that requires immediate detection and rapid medical intervention. 

Remember, every minute counts when it comes to stroke, so;

The article was reviewed by Dr. Shaima Buhlaiqa, a neurological consultant

Sources and references 

What is a stroke – clevelandclinic

Stroke – mayoclinic