Stroke (Brain Attack)

Comprehensive Medical Guide & Patient Information

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes, making stroke a true medical emergency. Early recognition and immediate treatment can save brain tissue, reduce disability, and save lives.

Types of Stroke

• Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, accounting for approximately 85% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain.

• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding into the brain tissue.

• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA causes temporary symptoms because blood flow is briefly interrupted. Although symptoms resolve, a TIA is a warning sign that a major stroke may occur in the future and should never be ignored.

Stroke Symptoms

Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly. Watch for:

·       Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side

·       Facial drooping

·       Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

·       Sudden vision loss or blurred vision

·       Sudden dizziness or loss of balance

·       Difficulty walking

·       Severe sudden headache (more common in hemorrhagic stroke)

Remember BE FAST

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance

• E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes

• F – Face: One side of the face droops

• A – Arm: Weakness in one arm

• S – Speech: Slurred or difficult speech

• T – Time: Call emergency services immediately. Every minute counts.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several conditions increase the risk of stroke:

·       High blood pressure

·       Diabetes

·       High cholesterol

·       Smoking

·       Atrial fibrillation and other heart diseases

·       Obesity

·       Physical inactivity

·       Sleep apnea

·       Excessive alcohol consumption

·       Previous stroke or TIA

·       Family history of stroke

·       Increasing age

How is Stroke Diagnosed?

Rapid diagnosis is essential and may include:

·       Neurological examination

·       CT scan of the brain

·       MRI of the brain

·       CT or MR angiography

·       Carotid Doppler ultrasound

·       Transcranial Doppler ultrasound

·       Heart evaluation (ECG and echocardiography)

·       Blood tests

Identifying the cause of the stroke helps prevent future events.

Stroke Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of stroke.

Ischemic Stroke

·       Intravenous thrombolysis (clot-busting medication)

·       Mechanical thrombectomy (removal of the clot through a catheter)

·       Blood-thinning medications

·       Intensive stroke unit care

Hemorrhagic Stroke

·       Blood pressure control

·       Reversal of blood thinners

·       Neurosurgical treatment when necessary

·       Intensive care monitoring

Early treatment significantly improves outcomes.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Recovery often involves a multidisciplinary team, including:

·       Physiotherapy

·       Occupational therapy

·       Speech and language therapy

·       Cognitive rehabilitation

·       Psychological support

Many patients continue to improve for months after their stroke.

Can Stroke Be Prevented?

Many strokes are preventable. You can reduce your risk by:

·       Controlling blood pressure

·       Managing diabetes and cholesterol

·       Treating atrial fibrillation

·       Quitting smoking

·       Exercising regularly

·       Maintaining a healthy weight

·       Eating a Mediterranean-style diet

·       Limiting alcohol

·       Taking prescribed medications consistently

When Should You Seek Emergency Care?

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you or someone around you develops:

·       Sudden weakness on one side

·       Sudden speech difficulty

·       Sudden vision loss

·       Sudden severe dizziness

·       Sudden facial drooping

·       A sudden, severe headache unlike any previous headache

Never wait for symptoms to improve. Time lost is brain lost.

Why Choose Dr. Dina Alboreesha?

As a Consultant Neurologist with a special interest in vascular neurology and stroke medicine, Dr. Dina Alboreesha provides comprehensive stroke care—from emergency assessment and advanced diagnostic investigations to secondary prevention and long-term follow-up.

Her expertise includes:

• Acute stroke evaluation

• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) assessment

• Stroke risk factor management

• Carotid Duplex Ultrasound

• Transcranial Doppler (TCD)

• Secondary stroke prevention

• Long-term neurological rehabilitation planning