Stroke: A Journey of Transformation
Categories: Living with Brain Injury
Dr. Gary Seale, Regional Director of Clinical Services, Centre for Neuro Skills, discusses finding meaning in the stroke experience and personal journey.
This video was created in partnership with the Centre for Neuro Skills. To watch other videos about stroke, click here.
What is a stroke?
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks the blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
What are the types of stroke?
- Ischemic Stroke: Most strokes (87%) are ischemic strokes. An ischemic stroke happens when blood flow through the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked. Blood clots often cause the blockages that lead to ischemic strokes.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells, which damages them. High blood pressure and aneurysms – balloon-like bulges in an artery that can stretch and burst – are examples of conditions that can cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A TIA is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” It is different from the major types of stroke because blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short time—usually no more than 5 minutes.
To learn more about the types of stroke and how to reduce your risk, click here. If you need personalized support or resources, contact BIAA’s National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443 or email us at info@biausa.org.