Stroke: what it is and how to recognize it
What is a stroke?
Ictus (from the Latin word for "stroke") is a condition that can suddenly strike a person in the midst of well-being and who may then experience acute symptoms that may be transient, constant, or may even worsen in the hours following the event.
It is brain damage that can be caused by the failure of blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a cerebral artery (hemorrhagic stroke).
Stroke represents the second leading cause of death1 while Italian survivors of this disease are, to date, about 900 thousand2
Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke: the differences
Ischemic stroke accounts for about 80% of strokes and is due to the obstruction or blockage of an artery that carries blood to the brain.
In this case, brain cells stop receiving oxygen and glucose from the blood, and this can cause more or less severe consequences depending on how long this situation persists:
If for a short time, the cells are stressed but can be recovered.
If the lack of oxygen persists for a longer period, the cells die with the risk of permanent loss of function.
Hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, accounts for 20 percent of stroke cases and is due to the rupture of a vessel in or around the brain. Blood comes in contact with brain tissue and causes its irritation, resulting in the formation of scar tissue with the risk of seizures; downstream tissues no longer receiving blood will tend to die.
How to recognize a stroke
In the event of a stroke, acting promptly can mean the difference between life and death, but not only that. Quick relief can also allow the extent of the consequences to be reduced, so it is important to be able to recognize the signs of a possible stroke early enough to alert help.
Among the most common symptoms:
- difficulty speaking
- mouth deviation (crooked mouth)
- weak arms
- headache
Stroke: the risk factors
The main risk factors that can promote the occurrence of stroke include:
- obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- alcohol and smoking
- hypercholesterolemia
- hypertension
- pre-existing cardiovascular disease