The type of stroke you have affects your treatment and recovery.
Today we touch on the different types of strokes. When I first learned that I had a stroke, I guess it wasn't that important that I knew what kind it was. My discharge papers only said CVA. (CardioVascular Accident)
There are three main types of strokes:
Ischemic stroke where blood flows to the brain are blocked, most often due to blood clots
Hemorrhagic stroke.
Transient ischemic attack (a warning or “mini-stroke”). TIAs
Most strokes (87%) are ischemic strokes.
My stroke was an ischemic stroke on the left side.
Since I've had my stroke and write about it, some people have shared their story and others have told me that they only had a TIA which they didn't seem to be worried about. Here is some more information about TIA and why you should be aware of the potential for having a full stroke in the future. It is a warning sign.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” It is different from the major types of stroke because blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short time—usually no more than 5 minutes. It is important to know that:
A TIA is a warning sign of a future stroke.
A TIA is a medical emergency, just like a major stroke.
Strokes and TIAs require emergency care. Call 9-1-1 right away if you feel signs of a stroke or see symptoms in someone around you.
There is no way to know in the beginning whether symptoms are from a TIA or from a major type of stroke.
Like ischemic strokes, blood clots often cause TIAs.
More than a third of people who have a TIA and don’t get treatment have a major stroke within 1 year. As many as 10% to 15% of people will have a major stroke within 3 months of a TIA.
Recognizing and treating TIAs can lower the risk of a major stroke. If you have a TIA, your health care team can find the cause and take steps to prevent a major stroke.
All types of strokes cause some damage to the brain. Knowing the signs of a stroke, the BE FAST; Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time to call 911, can make a big difference in the damage that is sustained and therefore the recovery which will be needed.
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