A stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen due to the loss of blood flow, either by a blocked artery or a bleed in the brain.

Ischemic Stroke

When blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or clogged, blood flow to brain cells is cut off, and an ischemic stroke occurs. This is the most common type of stroke and accounts for about 87 percent of all strokes.

• Symtoms develop over a few minutes, or worsen over hours such as in Steve’s case.
• Ischemic strokes usually are preceded by symptoms that may include loss of strength or sensation on one side of the body, problems with speech, or changes in vision or balance.
• They often occur at night or first thing in the morning.
• A TIA (transient ischemic attack) or “mini stroke” may give some warning of an impending major ischemic stroke.
• Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and other clot-busting drugs are available for treatment of ischemic strokes, but must be administered within a three-hour window. Medication may also be used to treat brain swelling that may occur after a stroke.

Hemmorrhagic Strokes

Not all strokes are caused by blood clots that block an artery. About 10 percent happen when a blood vessel ruptures in or near the brain. This is called a hemorrhagic stroke. This type of stroke can occur when an aneurysm ruptures, flooding the surrounding tissue with blood. Hemorrhagic strokes differ from ischemic strokes in many ways.

• The fatality rate is higher and overall prognosis is poorer.
• Victims are usually younger.
• Hemorrhagic strokes are often associated with a very severe headache, nausea and vomiting.
• Usually the symtoms appear suddenly.
• Stroke warning signs may not precede this type of stroke.