by Dr. Adam Seigers, Medical Health Contributor

A stroke or Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.  Any interruption of blood flow very quickly results in the death of brain tissue.

When we refer to a stroke we use this term broadly to describe two very different types of events.

In the first type of event, an ischemic stroke, a clot forms in a brain artery or at a distant blood vessel and then travels to the brain.

This, in effect, kills the brain tissue downstream from the blockage.

An ischemic stroke usually occurs from fat, cholesterol, and other substances that collect in arterial walls and then break loose.

It often results from disease of the carotid arteries in the neck.

Conversely, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weak area in a blood vessel in the brain gives way and bleeding results.

This is usually—but not always—is a result of a genetic condition.

There are a number of risk factors associated with stroke including an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, age greater than 55, race, and family history. Being overweight, drinking heavily, using drugs and smoking also are also risk factors.

Even birth control pills, when used in women over the age of 35, can greatly increase the risk of stroke by changing the clotting properties of blood.

Symptoms of a stroke depend on the area of the brain affected.

Symptoms usually occur suddenly and may include a headache, unusual tastes, smells, confusion, loss of balance, or problems with speaking or understanding.

Virtually any neurologic symptom is possible and this is usually the reason for missing a stroke.

In a sense, a stroke is like a heart attack to the brain.

Therefore at the onset of symptoms prompt medical attention in an emergency room is extremely important.

There is only a three-hour window from the onset of symptoms to the time where these symptoms become permanent.

In rural areas such as ours, just the ambulance ride alone may take a substantial portion of this time.

With proper treatment, often the signs and symptoms of a stroke can be reversed.

With the use of CT scans, angiograms, and clot buster medications, stroke outcomes have improved.

In some centers skilled radiologists have even opened blockages within the brain similarly to how we currently open blocked arteries in the heart.

We have a long way to go however and early recognition is key to assuring better outcomes.

Please contact your doctor for more information about recognizing the symptoms of a stroke or to learn what you can do to reduce your risk of having one.

— Dr. Adam Seigers is a physician with Faxton St. Luke’s Adirondack Community Physicians (ACP) Boonville Medical Offices on Route 12.