Neurological Issue: Stroke

Description of the Issue:

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Strokes can be broadly categorized into two main types:  

• Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all strokes. It happens when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked by a blood clot or fatty deposits (atherosclerosis).
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain tissue.

The effects of a stroke vary greatly depending on the area of the brain affected and the extent of the damage. Common consequences can include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding language (aphasia), vision problems, cognitive impairments (memory loss, attention deficits), emotional disturbances, and difficulty with coordination and balance. Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and death worldwide.

Contributing Factors:

Several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a stroke:

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

• Age: The risk of stroke increases significantly with age.
• Family History: Having a close relative who has had a stroke increases an individual’s risk.
• Race/Ethnicity: Certain racial and ethnic groups, including people of African descent, have a higher risk of stroke.
• Sex: Men have a slightly higher risk of stroke than women, but women account for more stroke deaths.
• Prior Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Individuals who have had a previous stroke or TIA (a “mini-stroke”) are at a much higher risk of having another stroke.