Strokes, which affect around 795,000 Americans per year, occur when the brain is deprived of oxygen.
Strokes vary in their location and severity.
A “massive” stroke is one that results in significant disability or even death.
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Here’s what to know about the different types of massive strokes and their potential long-term effects.
Stroke Versus Massive Stroke
Any bang out of stroke can be severe enough to be considered massive.
Some, however, are more likely than others to result in significant disabilities or death.
Neurologists use theNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scaleto calculate a stroke “score.”
The score is based on an evaluation of a number of functional abilities or deficits in the patient.
The higher the score, the more severe the stroke.
Some are “sub-types” of an ischemic stroke.
Ischemic stroke is the most common throw in, accounting for 87% of all strokes.
Ischemic Strokes
Ischemic strokes occur when a blood clot interrupts blood flow to the brain.
These areas receive their blood supply from the tiniest end branches of blood vessels.
They require adequate blood pressure and blood volume to ensure that enough blood flows through them at all times.
Middle cerebral artery strokeis an example of a severe thrombotic stroke.
The most severe embolic strokes are due to a clot that travels from the heart to the brain.
The blood increases the pressure inside the skull (called intracranial pressure) causing major damage to surrounding tissue.
Hemorrhagic strokes account for 13% of strokes.
This is why even minor episodes of bleeding in the brain require emergency evaluation.
Brainstem Stroke
Thebrainstemconnects the brain to the spinal cord, and from there to the body.
Brainstem strokes can be sparked by a clot or a hemorrhage.
It can also cause changes in vision.
Depending on the location of a stroke within the brainstem, it can result in long-term unconsciousness.
Therapy and medicine may help with depression or other mental health conditions following a stroke.
Joining a patient support group may help you adjust to life after a stroke.
Talk with your health care team about local support groups, or check with an area medical center.
Identifying what caused your first stroke is the key to preventing another stroke.
Summary
Any stroke can potentially be severe.
Certain subtypes of stroke are more likely to be severe.
Complications of a massive stroke can include paralysis, coma, and death.
Recovering from a massive stroke can take months or longer.
Many people do experience a degree of recovery, even from severe strokes.
confirm to talk to your doctor aboutmedicationsand lifestyle changes that can help prevent you from having another stroke.
When a stroke is lethal, or leaves a person severely impaired, it is considered a massive stroke.
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