Introduction
The human brain is one of the most sensitive body organs, requiring a continuous blood supply for effective functioning. The blood provides the brain with oxygen and nutrients even when the body’s blood pressure changes. However, physical conditions such as accidents that affect the skull may cause blockage of blood to the brain. A stroke, sometimes referred to as a brain attack, is a medical condition that occurs when something blocks the blood supply to the brain. Four types of strokes: ischemic, hemorrhagic, transient ischemic attack, and cryptogenic strokes, are detrimental to normal brain function.
Types and Causes
Ischemic Stroke
Blood clotting can deter the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Ischemic strokes manifest when a blood clot blocks the blood supply to the brain. Unlike other types of strokes, many patients are diagnosed with ischemic strokes (Tuo et al., 2021). The blood clots form in areas where the arteries are narrowed, impeding smooth blood flow. Moreover, they may form where fatty deposits or plaques have clogged the arteries (Tuo et al., 2021). Some of the causes of ischemic strokes are hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol levels, and atrial fibrillation.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic, cerebral hemorrhages, or intracranial hemorrhages, andstrokes are less common than ischemic ones. This type of stroke, unlike others, occurs when a blood vessel inside the skull bursts, bleeding into and around the brain (Ojha & Banerji, 2022). Additionally, an abnormally formed blood vessel around the brain can cause hemorrhagic strokes (Ojha & Banerji, 2022). Furthermore, a brain aneurysm, rupture of a blood vessel, or balloon-like expansion in the skull can lead to a stroke. The bursting of the blood vessels is due to the high blood pressure risk that is exacerbated by factors such as being overweight, stress, and physical inactivity.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
While other types of strokes cause severe damage to the brain and overall well-being, TIA is the least dangerous. TIA is sometimes called a mini-attack since it manifests like other strokes but lasts for a few minutes. TIA’s signs and symptoms rarely last more than twenty-four hours and may be an indication of an early stroke (Tuo et al., 2021). Weakness, numbness, and paralysis in the face are TIA’s common signs and symptoms of a TIA. Additionally, vertigo and blindness in one or both eyes are associated with TIA. Although TIA is not an acute form of stroke, a patient should see a doctor as early as possible.
Cryptogenic Stroke
Medically, the causes of TIA, ischemic, and hemorrhagic strokes are known. However, the causes of cryptogenic strokes are unknown. Consequently, the type of stroke is sometimes called the “stroke of unknown cause” (Ojha & Banerji, 2022). One out of three ischemic strokes is considered cryptogenic, and laboratory tests cannot prove them (Tuo et al., 2021). Cryptogenic strokes are associated with some hidden causes such as irregular heartbeat, heart structure problems, and hardening of arteries, among others (Tuo et al., 2021). Conscious tests are crucial in treating and managing cryptogenic strokes.
Conclusion
Strokes are common medical emergencies associated with abnormal brain function. Blockage of the blood supply to and around the brain causes strokes. Ischemic strokes are the most common stroke type and can lead to serious medical problems. Meanwhile, TIA is less common and serious, but can be a sign of ischemic strokes. The bursting of blood vessels in the skull can lead to hemorrhagic strokes. Although the causes of hemorrhagic, ischemic, and TIA strokes are known, the origins of cryptogenic strokes remain unidentified.
References
Ojha, N., & Banerji, S. (2022). Intracranial hemorrhage detection and classification using deep learning. Augmenting Neurological Disorder Prediction and Rehabilitation Using Artificial Intelligence, 1–14. Web.
Tuo, Q., Zhang, S., & Lei, P. (2021). Mechanisms of neuronal cell death in ischemic stroke and their therapeutic implications. Medicinal Research Reviews, 42(1), 259-305. Web.