What is a stroke?
Learn about how to identify a stroke and the complications strokes can cause.
Summary
A stroke happens when the brain doesn’t have enough oxygen due to a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain. Due to the lack of oxygen, cells in the brain can start to die, causing permanent damage. The effects of a stroke depend on what parts of the brain were affected by the lack of blood flow and oxygen.
Common side effects of a stroke can affect speech, muscle control, mobility, and vision. If a stroke affects the parts of the brain that allow you to see, it can result in vision loss.
Your eyes send visual information to several different parts of the brain which process and interpret this information allowing you to see and perceive objects. If these areas of the brain, or any of the pathways to these areas, have been impacted it can cause sight loss. Most commonly in vision loss, a stroke will affect the back of the brain called the occipital cortex.
There are three types of strokes:
Ischaemic stroke is caused by blood clots preventing the brain from receiving the oxygen and the nutrition it needs. This is the most common cause of a stroke.
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or mini stroke, is caused by a temporary blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain for a short period before the supply returns to normal. The symptoms for a TIA can last from a few minutes to two hours but can sometimes persist for up to 24 hours. If the blockage of blood supply affects the eye it can lead to temporary vision loss. If a visual processing area of the brain has been affected, you may experience double vision or vision loss on one side. It is important to seek urgent medical attention as it can be an early warning sign of someone at risk of a stroke.
Haemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain due to weakened blood vessel walls.
One in four people worldwide will suffer from a stroke during their life. Around a third of people who have a stroke experience vision loss. More than 440,000 Australians are living with the effects of stroke.
The Australian Stroke Foundation recommends using the acronym FAST to recognise the signs of someone who is having a stroke:
- Face – check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
- Arms – can they lift both arms?
- Speech – is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.
For more information
- Visit the Stroke Foundation.
- Visit Synapse Australia.
- Always speak to your GP and eye care professional about the best treatment options for you.
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