A stroke affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain (arteries), causing the death of the affected brain tissue. When there is an obstruction caused by a thrombus or clot, it is called as an ischemic stroke, whereas a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel and bleeding. It is strongly associated with age and deterioration of the arteries. Hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, alcohol consumption and drug use, etc. are all contributing factors.
If it affects the middle cerebral artery, there will be asymmetry of the face due to a deviation of the corner of the lip, loss of strength and sensitivity of one side of the body (arm and leg), partial loss of vision and gaze deviation to one side. If the brain injury is on the left side, the patient will also have speech disorders; if it is on the right side, the patient will not seem ill. Diagnosis is clinical but must be confirmed with computed tomography. In the case of ischemia, treatment within three hours of symptom onset prevents sequelae, which is why it is considered to be a medical emergency.
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