Definition of stroke
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These studies suggest that stroke is defined by clinical and tissue criteria, including central nervous system infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage, and requires rapid and accurate identification of acute symptoms for improved outcomes.
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Definition of Stroke: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Stroke
Stroke is a significant medical condition characterized by the sudden onset of neurological deficits due to disturbances in the brain's blood supply. It is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, necessitating a clear and consistent definition for effective diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Classic and Updated Definitions of Stroke
Classic Definition
Traditionally, stroke has been defined as a clinical syndrome marked by the abrupt onset of focal neurological dysfunction lasting more than 24 hours or leading to death, with no apparent cause other than a vascular origin . This definition encompasses both ischemic strokes, caused by inadequate blood supply, and hemorrhagic strokes, resulting from spontaneous bleeding into the brain .
Updated Definition
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has updated the definition of stroke to incorporate advances in science and technology. The updated definition includes central nervous system infarction, which refers to brain, spinal cord, or retinal cell death attributable to ischemia, based on neuropathological, neuroimaging, and/or clinical evidence of permanent injury. This definition also covers intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel supplying the brain, leading to tissue death due to lack of oxygen. This type of stroke can present with overt symptoms or be silent, causing no known symptoms .
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, leading to bleeding within or around the brain tissue. This category includes intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage .
Minor Stroke
The term "minor stroke" lacks a consensus definition but generally refers to strokes with less severe symptoms and better short-term and medium-term outcomes. Various definitions based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and specific clinical presentations have been proposed to classify minor strokes.
Stroke in Special Populations
Pediatric Stroke
Stroke in children, though rare, is defined similarly to adult stroke but often involves different etiologies such as congenital heart disease, metabolic disorders, and vasospastic conditions like migraines. Pediatric stroke requires prompt recognition and tailored treatment strategies to manage underlying causes and stabilize systemic factors.
Conclusion
Stroke is a complex and multifaceted condition with varying definitions and classifications. The updated definition by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association reflects the advancements in medical science and technology, providing a more comprehensive framework for understanding and managing this critical health issue. Consistent and clear definitions are essential for improving diagnosis, treatment, and research outcomes in stroke care.
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