Brain Stroke Reasons: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth
Written By Sheena Mehta
on Oct 3, 2025
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Oct 3, 2025
Did you know that a stroke does not wait for age? It can happen to anyone at any time. Are you ready to act fast?
A brain stroke is a severe medical condition that happens when the blood flow to the brain is restricted, either due to a blockage or bleeding. It is a serious medical condition that needs prompt medical intervention.
If your brain cells do not get enough oxygen and nutrients, they begin to die within minutes, making stroke a leading cause of disability and death worldwide.
Expert Insights
Experts refer to a stroke as a cerebrovascular accident that may cause permanent damage to the brain, long-term disability, or, in some cases, even death. Understanding the brain stroke reasons behind these events is crucial for timely intervention and prevention.
Global & India Stroke Statistics
- Each year, around the world, 15 million people have a stroke. Sadly, 5 million of those people die, and another 5 million are left with lasting disabilities.
- In 2025, India had 1.8 million new stroke cases, says the Indian Stroke Association. That means India is dealing with 10% of the stroke burden worldwide.
Symptoms & Causes of Brain Stroke
The signs of a brain stroke vary from person to person, depending on which area of the brain it affects. Understanding the brain stroke reasons behind these symptoms can help you take timely action and prevent long-term complications.
Some of its most common symptoms include:
- Aphasia
- Blurry vision
- Coma
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Seizures
- Passing out or fainting
- Weakness or paralysis
Warning Signs of a Stroke
Strokes cause a wide range of symptoms, and recognizing them quickly helps save lives. A simple way to remember the key stroke warning signs in yourself or others is to use the BE FAST acronym:
B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking.
E - Eyes: Blurred, double, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
F - Face: Face drooping or numbness on one side, especially when smiling.
A - Arms: Arm weakness or numbness-ask the person to raise both arms to check.
S - Speech: Slurred, strange, or difficult speech; trouble understanding words.
T - Time: Time to act immediately. Call emergency medical help immediately.
Types of Strokes
There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
1. Ischemic stroke
An ischemic stroke is the stroke people get most often, about 85% of the time. It happens when a blood vessel that supplies the brain gets blocked. This could be due to a clot or a fatty deposit (plaque) that cuts off the blood and oxygen supply to a part of the brain.
Doctors study various brain strokes to determine whether an ischemic stroke is due to clots, plaque buildup, or heart-related issues.
Also read:
https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/heart/blood-tests-for-heart-blockage-everything-you-need-to-know/
Brain stroke reasons for ischemic strokes include:
- Atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries)
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythms)
- Clotting disorders (too much clotting)
- Heart defects
- Microvascular ischemic disease (small vessel disease)
2. Hemorrhagic stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in your brain breaks, bursts, or leaks. This causes bleeding either inside the brain itself or around it. It's not as common as an ischemic stroke, but it's generally more serious and can be life-threatening.
Common causes include:
- Brain aneurysms
- Brain tumors
- High blood pressure
- Moyamoya disease (a rare cerebrovascular disease)
9 Common Brain Stroke Reasons You Should Know
Understanding the key brain stroke reasons can help you take preventive steps:
- Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common reasons for a brain stroke. It can damage your blood vessels, making them prone to blockage or rupture.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can weaken your arteries over time, increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Regular monitoring and blood pressure management are essential for preventing strokes.
- Atrial fibrillation
It refers to an irregular heart rhythm that can cause blood clots and may travel to the brain, leading to an ischemic stroke.
Individuals with Atrial fibrillation (AFib) are way more likely to have a stroke, up to five times more likely than people with a regular heartbeat. However, incorporating a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk.
- Smoking
Cigarette smoking can damage blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and increase the likelihood of clot formation.
Smoking lowers the oxygen in your blood, which makes it difficult for your body to fix damaged blood vessels. Quitting smoking can reduce your chances of having a stroke over time.
- Diabetes
High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Diabetes also accelerates atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), which can block blood flow to the brain. Maintaining proper blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication is essential for prevention.
Also read:
- High cholesterol
Too much cholesterol in your blood can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries. This buildup causes your arteries to narrow, resulting in less blood reaching your brain. As a result, your chance of having a stroke increases.
You can manage cholesterol by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking medications that help maintain the health of your blood vessels and heart.
- Age
The risk of brain stroke increases as you grow older, especially after the age of 55.
Consequently, blood vessels become less flexible, and age-related conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease make older adults more vulnerable to both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
- Gender and race
Compared to women, men are likely to have more strokes with higher mortality.
Certain racial and ethnic groups, such as African Americans and South Asians, are at higher risk due to genetic disposition, hypertension, and lifestyle factors.
- Prior stroke or transient ischemic stroke:
Having a history of stroke or mini-stroke (TIA) significantly raises your chances of having another stroke. TIAs are like warning signals that the brain isn't getting enough blood for a short time.
Early medical intervention and lifestyle changes can help prevent strokes from happening in the future and potentially more serious strokes.
- Poor diet and physical inactivity:
Eating too much salt, sugar, and saturated fats, along with an inactive lifestyle can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
These are all major brain stroke reasons. Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet can significantly lower the risk of developing the condition.
Brain Stroke Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare professionals usually do a physical examination with a combination of tests if you have had a stroke:
1. Blood tests
Blood tests help identify underlying conditions that may cause a stroke, such as high blood sugar, high cholesterol, clotting disorders, or infections. They also check kidney and liver function to ensure safe use of medications.
2. CT scan (Computed tomography)
It utilizes X-rays to aid in detecting bleeding, clots, tumors, or other brain abnormalities.
3. Electroencephalogram (EEG)
The test helps measure the brain's electrical activity. It's not used as much to diagnose strokes, but it can spot seizures or abnormal brain function that can occur due to stroke-related brain damage.
4. Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An EKG records the heart's electrical activity. It can identify heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation, which may cause blood clots that lead to ischemic stroke.
5. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain. It is highly effective in detecting small or early strokes, areas of brain damage, and abnormalities in blood vessels.
Management and Treatment of Stroke
The treatment of stroke depends on whether you have an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and how quickly you receive the treatment. The primary goal is to restore blood flow, prevent further brain damage, and reduce the risk of future strokes.
Common Stroke Treatments Include:
- Medications: Clot-busting drugs like thrombolytics may be recommended for ischemic stroke. Also, blood thinners and other medicines may be prescribed to manage blood pressure and cholesterol or prevent blood clots.
- Surgery or procedure: Sometimes, surgical procedures are also performed to remove clots, repair blood vessels, or reduce bleeding in the brain.
- Rehabilitation: These may include physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to help regain mobility, speech, and independence.
- Physical Therapy: Helps restore coordination, strength, and movement after a stroke.
- Speech Therapy: Aids in recovering language, speech, and swallowing abilities.
- Occupational Therapy: Supports regaining everyday things and independence.
- Lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and controlling chronic conditions, are crucial for recovery and prevention.
Brain Stroke Survival Rate
Strokes can be dangerous to the extent that they can cause permanent disabilities or death. No healthcare professional can provide you with an accurate estimate of a fixed recovery time.
The survival rate after having a brain stroke varies from person to person, depending on the following factors:
- How fast was the stroke treated?
- Which part of your brain was affected?
- Was it an ischemic stroke or a hemorrhagic stroke?
- Your overall health
When to call a doctor?
You should call a doctor if you experience any stroke symptoms again, or if you have had a stroke that puts you at an increased risk of severe complications, including:
- Heart attack
- Pneumonia
- Blood clots
- Seizures
- Swelling in the brain
Early medical assistance can help prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.
Conclusion
A brain stroke is a serious medical issue that can happen to anyone, young or old. It's essential to know the reasons for brain stroke, what puts you at risk, what the warning signs are, and how doctors diagnose them so you can get timely treatment.
With the right treatment, rehab, and some lifestyle changes, individuals who have had strokes can recover and live well. Awareness, prevention, and quick action can really save lives. Remember, every second counts when it comes to your brain.
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FAQs
What is a brain stroke?
A brain stroke happens when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted. This can occur because of a clot blocking a blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or because a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). So, either way, when brain cells don't get enough blood, they can get damaged.
What are the common reasons for a brain stroke?
The common reasons for a brain stroke are high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, prior stroke or TIA, age, and genetic factors. Understanding these risk factors helps in taking adequate preventive measures.
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors use a combination of physical examination, blood tests, CT scans, MRI, EEG, and EKG to confirm a stroke, identify its type, and guide treatment. Prompt diagnosis enables doctors to select the most effective treatment plan promptly.
What are the treatment options available for a brain stroke?
Treatment for a brain stroke varies depending on the type of stroke. It may include medications, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, and lifestyle modification to prevent recurrence. Timely treatment dramatically reduces the chances of long-term disability and improves quality of life.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. You can significantly reduce the risk of a brain stroke by managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Additionally, avoid smoking, stay physically active, and eat a healthy diet to manage the existing condition and reduce the chances of recurrence.
What is the role of rehabilitation after a stroke?
Rehabilitation helps patients regain mobility, speech, and independence through physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, improving overall quality of life. Continuous rehabilitation and support can help patients return to daily life with greater confidence.
