Information about a Massive Stroke

A massive stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This happens either because of a blocked blood vessel or a ruptured blood vessel. When the brain does not receive the blood and oxygen it needs, cells are destroyed. When a massive stroke occurs, the effects can be devastating; paralysis on one side of your body, not being able to talk, lapsing into a coma and even death can result from this devastating condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

Ischemic Stroke

• An ischemic stroke is the more common of the two types. It is the result of a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel that sends blood to the brain. Blood clots are usually symptoms of other underlying problems such as hardening of the arteries due to diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking. Other causes of an ischemic massive stroke are heart valve problems, irregular heart rhythms, heart attacks and blood-clotting disorders.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

• Another type of massive stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke, which is characterized by bleeding within the brain. This type of massive stroke can result from chronic issues like high blood pressure or a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. This type of stroke can also be triggered by problems with inflamed blood vessels resulting from diseases like syphilis, tuberculosis, Lyme disease and general blood clotting disorders.

Typical Symptoms

• The symptoms associated with a massive stroke can happen quite suddenly and may not last long. Normally you'll notice the symptoms occurring on only one side of the body. Sudden numbness, weakness or problems focusing vision on one side of the body could all be symptoms of a massive stroke.

  Seeking immediate medical help could significantly reduce the chances of suffering a second stroke. Other symptoms to watch out for include a sudden, sever headache, slurred speech, dizziness, confusion or problems walking. It's important to seek immediate medical attention in order to diminish the long-term effects of a massive stroke.

Treatment

• Fortunately there are a number of treatment options for massive stroke patients. They make it possible for patients to live very normal lives, especially if they receive treatment right away. An ischemic stroke can be treated immediately with clot dissolving medicine and medication to help regulate blood sugar levels and any fever that may be present. Hemorrhagic strokes require medications to control blood pressure, fever, swelling and blood sugar levels. Sever bleeding in the brain or a stroke caused by a ruptured aneurysm could require surgery to get rid of the blood or fix the aneurysm.

Prevention

• Certain diseases and unhealthy habits can increase your chances of having a massive stroke. You should check to see if you have high blood pressure. It's important to have a doctor check you for high blood pressure since many times there are no symptoms until it's too late. Many people don't even realize they have high blood pressure until they suffer from a stroke. Lifestyle changes and medication are usually all that's needed to keep your blood pressure in the normal range.

  Get tested for diabetes. This is another condition that can go unnoticed until you are in the advanced stages of the disease. People who are overweight or have a history of diabetes in their family should especially get tested.

  Have your cholesterol levels tested and follow a low-cholesterol diet if your levels are too high.

  Smoking can increase your chances of having a stroke, especially if you have a family history of strokes. Stopping smoking can significantly reduce your risk.

  Exercise and lose weight if you are overweight. Follow the Food Pyramid eating model at mypyramid.gov, eat smaller portions and reduce your intake of salt and sugar. These steps can significantly reduce your chances of developing a stroke. Eating a healthy diet and exercising can help prevent many of the other risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.