A stroke is a medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain results in cell death. Just like a traumatic brain injury, a stroke can have severe and lasting consequences if not timely diagnosed and treated.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that there are six different types of stroke:
- Embolic stroke: A clot develops in a part of the body other than the brain (commonly the heart). It travels through the bloodstream into the brain, where it lodges in a small artery. This stroke occurs suddenly and without warning. Approximately 15% of embolic strokes occur in persons with atrial fibrillation.
- Ischemic stroke: The most common type of stroke; accounts for approximately 80% of all strokes. Caused by a clot or other blockage within an artery leading to the brain.
- Thrombotic stroke: A clot forms in the blood vessels of the brain; usually one of the cerebral arteries. It remains attached to the artery wall until it grows large enough to occlude blood flow. May be preceded by one or more TIAs.
- Lacunar infarct: Small, deep infarcts located mainly in the basal ganglia and thalamus. May also affect the brain stem, internal and external capsules and periventricular white matter. When a stroke occurs due to small vessel disease, a very small infarction results, sometimes called a lacunar infarction. Most likely caused by atherosclerotic occlusion of perforating branches. Accounts for approximately 25% of all ischemic strokes.
- Cerebral hemorrhage: Caused by the sudden rupture of an artery in the brain. Blood spills out, compressing brain structures. Approximately 20% of strokes are caused by hemorrhage.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Caused by the sudden rupture of an artery. The location of the rupture leads to blood filling the space surrounding the brain rather than inside of it.
Individuals that have suffered from a stroke may require significant medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and assistance with all activities of daily living. The timeliness of treatment is often determinative of the extent and severity of injuries from a stroke.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke may include an inability to move or feel on one side of the body, problems understanding or speaking, dizziness, or loss of vision to one side. Signs and symptoms often appear soon after the stroke has occurred. Therefore, if any of these signs or symptoms are present, it is important to seek out immediate treatment in order to minimize cell death and improve the potential recovery.
Our attorneys are experienced in stroke cases and have the expertise and compassion to ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.
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