A stroke is a life-altering medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, resulting in brain damage. Immediate treatments are used to minimize the damage, and may call for the help of several medical experts. Neurologists are one type of specialist who can provide treatment. 

What Are the Different Types of Stroke?

A stroke can occur in several ways. Ischemic strokes result from blood clots and are further classified into two types: thrombotic and embolic. In the former, a blood clot within a damaged artery blocks blood flow to the brain. In the latter, a clot lodges in a brain artery. 

There is also a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a group of symptoms that typically indicate a future stroke. Signs include loss of vision in one eye, numbness or loss of strength in an arm or leg, and difficulty with speaking or comprehension. Finally, there are hemorrhagic strokes, which can either occur as bleeding between the brain and skull (subarachnoid hemorrhage) or bleeding in the brain tissue (intracerebral hemorrhage).   

What Are the Main Causes?

Different types of stroke have different root causes. For example, subarachnoid hemorrhagic strokes may result from a ruptured aneurysm in the brain, whereas intracerebral hemorrhages can develop as a result of the changes in the arteries that occur from high blood pressure. 

Changes to the arteries that occur with high cholesterol, including fatty deposits and hardening and narrowing of the arteries known as atherosclerosis, can contribute to ischemic strokes. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, smoking, high blood pressure, and artery diseases can also increase risk. 

What Are Some Possible Treatments?

Prompt action is critical for reducing the damage caused by a stroke, since nerve cells die off very quickly without a blood supply. If the stroke is treated within three hours, neurologists can administer clot-busting drugs; in other cases, the clot may be removed. 

In special stroke care centers, cutting-edge devices such as microcatheters can be used to target the clot. For hemorrhagic stroke, treatment approaches include stabilizing the patient, stopping the bleeding in the brain, and preventing future bleeding from occurring.

If you or a loved one needs care from a neurologist, turn to Neurological Consultants of Alaska in Anchorage. Their comprehensive services include hospital coverage and consultations as well as ongoing management for conditions. See their full list of services online or call (907) 277-1623 to schedule an appointment.