The primary causes of brain strokes

A stroke, or interruption of the brain's blood flow, can lead to serious damage and even death. Here’s what you can do to prevent it.

A stroke occurs when there's an interruption of blood flow in the brain. The disruption results in the destruction of brain cells and neurons. The death of these cells can lead to serious consequences and long-term complications.

• Ischemic stroke (70-80 per cent of cases): this occurs when a cerebral artery is blocked. This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot forms in a brain artery (thrombosis) or when a blood clot has formed elsewhere in the body and is transported by the bloodstream to the brain, resulting in blockage of a brain artery (embolism).
• Hemorrhagic stroke (20 per cent of cases): this is caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel. This occurs when there is an aneurysm, vascular deformity (malformed blood vessel), or as the result of very high and uncontrolled blood pressure.
• Although very rare, other causes of stroke include brain tumours, bleeding disorders and hypertensive crisis.

Among the many underlying causes that can lead to a stroke:

• Hypertension;
• High cholesterol;
• Smoking;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Poor diet;
• Heavy alcohol consumption;
• Previous stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack);
• Heart problems;
• Diabetes;
• Migraines;
• Sleep apnea (a risk of hypertension);
• Polycythemia (abnormally high number of red blood cells);
• Family history;
• Stress;
• Certain drugs such as cocaine and LSD;
• Some medications increase the risk of stroke (e.g., tamoxifen, phenylpropanolamine, and thrombolytics);
• Hormone therapy and oral contraceptives used by women.

The effects of a stroke are numerous and can be severe. They include, but are not limited to:

• Partial paralysis;
• Problems with speech;
• Decreased ability to assimilate information;
• Slower reflexes and reaction time;
• Reduced mobility;
• Cognitive problems and difficulty understanding;
• Loss of memory;
• Impaired judgment.

When a stroke occurs, the speed at which medical care is provided makes all the difference. Here are five warning signs that are cause for alarm:

• Sudden weakness, paralysis or numbness, often localized to one side of the body.
• Trouble speaking or difficulty understanding what is said.
• Blurred vision.
• Severe, excruciating headache.
• Dizziness, loss of balance.

If you experience any of these symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately and get to the ER as soon as possible. The sooner you are treated, the less likely you are to risk serious complications and long-term brain damage. It may even save your life.

Check your blood pressure and monitor your cholesterol. Make healthy food choices and exercise regularly. Simple improvements can make a big difference; they can prevent a stroke, as wells as many other common health complaints from psychiatric disorders to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.