What causes stroke ?
The human brain is supplied by three vessels anterior ,middle & posterior cerebral arteries. stroke is caused due to the sudden blocking (thrombotic stroke) or hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke) involving any of the braches of these vessels. 

What is the cause of thrombotic stroke ?
The most common cause of thrombotic stroke is atherosclerosis involving a branch of the above mentioned vessels.

What is the cause of hemorrhagic stroke ?--
 The most common cause of hemorrhagic stroke is hypertension (raised blood pressure).

What are lacunar strokes ?--
Lacunar stroke is a special variety of stroke in which very small braches are involved. It is caused by hypertension & has a better prognosis (outcome).

How is stroke diagnosed ?--
Stroke is diagnosed by the history & clinical examination of a patient.  CT Scan / MRI is required to find the cause of stroke (i.e whether thrombotic or hemorrhagic). 

What is the treatment ?--
Treatment of stroke is multidisciplinary involving the Physician, nurse, physiotherapist, speech therapist, dietician, occupational therapist and social worker. The loss of function caused by stroke may take months to recover.

What is a TIA ?
TIA -- transient Ischemic attacks -- these are the warning strokes. The loss of function lasts only for 24 hours or less. They are caused by a block in the vessel as in a complete stroke; however the block gets cleared & hence the transient nature.

Can young people suffer from a stroke ?
Yes. However these strokes have a different cause. The blood in these patients is hypercoagulable (clots abnormally). Hence these pts are prone to clots in the vessels & the resultant stroke.

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