A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of vital oxygen and nutrients. As a result, brain cells begin to die in just a few minutes.

A stroke is a medical emergency, and immediate treatment is required. There are different types of strokes, and one of them is a vascular stroke. Vascular strokes account for about 87% of all strokes, and they can have devastating effects on the body. Here are five key questions answered about vascular strokes.

What is a vascular stroke?

A vascular stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is disrupted due to a clot or a ruptured blood vessel.

The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly, and any interruption in the blood supply can cause brain cells to die. When brain cells die, the functions that they control are also affected. Vascular strokes can be caused by different factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

What are the symptoms of a vascular stroke?

The symptoms of a vascular stroke can vary depending on the part of the brain affected and the severity of the stroke. Some common symptoms of a stroke include:.

Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Sudden vision changes
Dizziness or loss of balance
Sudden and severe headache

If you or someone you know experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.

How are vascular strokes diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects that you’ve had a stroke, they may order several tests to confirm the diagnosis. Some common tests used to diagnose a stroke include:.

CT scan: This imaging test can help to identify if there is bleeding in the brain.
MRI: This test can help to identify changes in the brain that may indicate a stroke.
Blood tests: These can help to identify any underlying conditions that may have contributed to the stroke.
Carotid ultrasound: This test can help to identify any blockages in the carotid arteries that can cause a stroke.

Based on the results of these tests, your doctor can determine the type of stroke you have, the location of the stroke, and the severity of the stroke.

How are vascular strokes treated?

The treatment for a vascular stroke depends on the type, location, and severity of the stroke. Some common treatments used to treat vascular strokes include:.

Clot-busting drugs: These drugs can help to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain.
Anticoagulants: These drugs can help to prevent blood clots from forming
Carotid endarterectomy: This surgical procedure can help to remove plaque from the carotid artery, reducing the risk of stroke.
Surgical clipping: This procedure can help to stop bleeding in the brain if the stroke was caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
Catheter-based procedures: These procedures can help to remove blood clots or open up narrow blood vessels to restore blood flow to the brain

It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect that you’ve had a stroke. Early treatment can help to minimize the damage caused by the stroke.

Can vascular strokes be prevented?

While it’s not always possible to prevent a stroke, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of having a stroke, including:.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight
Monitoring and managing your blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Quitting smoking
Limiting your alcohol consumption
Managing stress
Taking medications as prescribed to manage underlying conditions that can increase your risk of stroke, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

If you have a family history of strokes or have other risk factors, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your risk of having a stroke.

Conclusion

A vascular stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing brain cells to die. Vascular strokes account for most strokes, and they can have devastating effects on the body.

The symptoms of a vascular stroke can vary, but it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you’ve had a stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to minimize the damage caused by the stroke.

It’s also essential to take steps to reduce your risk of having a stroke, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing underlying conditions that can increase your risk of stroke.