Understanding the Different Forms of a Stroke

Ischemic & Hemorrhagic: Understanding the Different Forms of a Stroke

According to the CDC, “someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds.” With a rate of nearly a stroke a minute, it is imperative to know the underlying forms of a stroke and considering elderly assistance services. The following will explore the common forms and causes of the encompassing term of ‘the stroke’. 

Ischemic & Hemorrhagic

A stroke occurs within the brain, when it is not able to receive a steady supply of oxygen or nutrients. This end result can be traced back to the blockage or rupturing of a blood vessel. Thus, the encompassing term of the stroke can be easily broken down into two separate categories: ischemic and hemorrhagic. 

Ischemic Strokes

The ischemic stroke is the most common form, and it occurs when a blood vessel within the brain suffers a blockage. This blocked vessel depletes the brain of any nutrients or oxygen, and causes the brain cells to begin terminating. This blockage can be caused by a myriad of reasons: be it a surplus of plaque or atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of arteries over time.

A transient ischemic attack, also known as a TIA, is a mini stroke. It is caused by the same phenomena that brings upon an ischemic attack, except the effects are temporary. Even though a TIA may last as short as one hour, it still should be treated swiftly and with haste by a medical professional!

Hemorrhagic Strokes

In contrast to the blockages of ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bursting of blood vessels. The burst artery begins leaking into the brain and immediately begins interfering with brain cells. Deprived of their ability to function, the brain cells are rendered in-usable. 

A hemorrhagic stroke can be caused by two separate phenomena. These are defined as intracerebral and subarachnoid. 

Within an intracerebral event, the burstage occurs inside the brain.The more prevalent of the hemorrhagic stroke, the intracerebral event is often caused by a burst blood vessel. 

Whereas the intracerebral occurs inside the brain, the subarachnoid occurs in the space between the brain and skull. This exterior space, aptly named the subarachnoid, is occupied by fluid that cushions the brain. When a subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs, blood seeps into this space and begins damaging the lining of the brain. The underlying cause of an intracerebral event can often be traced to head injuries or a ruptured aneurysm. 

Thanks to Expicare Nursing Agency for their insight into in home nursing care and different forms of a stroke.