Left hemisphere of the brain (cerebral infarction) with ischemic stroke

Common Questions About Stroke

Are Strokes Deadly?

In some cases, a stroke can be deadly. Every minute it takes to get oxygen and blood back to the brain is critical for brain damage. In many cases, there are signs of a stroke, and those who are suffering can either receive medical management, care and control over risk factors, along with interventional treatments depending on your condition. The best way to treat a stroke is to prevent a stroke. However, one a stroke fully occurs, there are limited treatment options.

Can a Stroke Cause Memory Loss?

Memory loss is one of the side effects of suffering a stroke. In some cases, this memory loss is temporary, and it can slowly be restored. However, some of the more permanent damages of having a stroke can be losing episodic memory, where you can't remember short-term things indefinitely.

What is an Ischemic Stroke?

One of the most common strokes is ischemic stroke, which happens when a particular blood vessel in the brain is obstructed, and the blood can't flow properly. This is the most common type of stroke that patients experience. The most common cause of this type of stroke is atherosclerosis, or fatty deposits in the vessel walls that build up and cause obstruction.

Can Ischemic Strokes Be Cured?

In most cases, those who suffer from ischemic strokes can recover quickly, and they may only have one. If there are several blockages, they can be treated with a thrombectomy so the blood can continue to flow. Preventative measures are taken to keep them from recurring, such as reviewing medications that could cause a build-up and prevent it from developing further.

What is a Hemorrhagic Stroke?

The least common type of stroke, but more intense on the body, is the hemorrhagic stroke. In these events, a blood vessel that has weakened in the brain will rupture and cause bleeding directly in the brain tissue. There will be some damage from this stroke, depending on where the vessel is located in the brain and what the functions are that are associated with that area.

How Does the Brain Adapt After a Stroke?

Once the brain recovers after a stroke, it can start healing and relearning skills. Some stroke patients will have to undergo physical therapy, occupational therapy, and even speech therapy in some cases. This neuroplasticity can last for several weeks or years, depending on how long it takes the brain to relearn the skills.

What Causes a Stroke and How to Prevent It?

A blockage causes most strokes, but others are caused by weakened blood vessels that burst. There are several ways to prevent a stroke. It's essential to stop smoking if you currently have that habit and maintain your blood pressure. High blood pressure is often the culprit. It's also crucial to keep both your sugar and cholesterol levels, as they can impact the blockage in your brain.

What Does a Stroke Look Like on a CT Scan?

If you've suffered a stroke and you get a CT Scan, the affected area will be bright, with hemoglobin surrounding the area. It will stick out compared to other features in your brain and show where there is a blockage or bleeding from a ruptured vessel.

What is a Massive Stroke?

When you hear the term massive stroke, this means that a large portion of the brain has been affected by the blockage or ruptured blood vessel, and this area most likely went a long period without blood supply. Massive strokes usually have some damage that accompanies them and can have longer recovery times.

When to Consider a Stroke Specialist Assessment

A stroke or suspected mini stroke is a significant warning sign that requires careful evaluation. A specialist assessment helps identify the cause, understand your individual risk and determine appropriate treatment or prevention strategies.

Consider arranging a specialist assessment if you:

• Have experienced sudden weakness, numbness, facial drooping, speech difficulty or vision changes.
• Have been diagnosed with a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
• Have experienced a stroke and want to reduce the risk of another event.
• Have been diagnosed with carotid artery narrowing or other vascular conditions.
• Have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or atrial fibrillation.
• Want a second opinion regarding stroke prevention or treatment options.
• Would like a personalised assessment of your long-term stroke risk.

At the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, stroke assessment focuses on understanding the underlying cause of your symptoms, reviewing relevant brain and vascular imaging, and evaluating your individual risk factors. Your specialist will explain your diagnosis, discuss appropriate investigations and recommend a personalised approach to stroke prevention and treatment.

Care extends beyond diagnosis with ongoing follow-up and support to help protect your long-term brain and vascular health.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience sudden facial drooping, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, sudden vision changes, severe dizziness, loss of coordination or a sudden severe headache, as these may indicate a stroke.

Would You Like More Information from a Stroke Specialist in Singapore?

If you want to find more information and get clear answers to your most pressing questions about stroke, meet with our stroke specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore. We are ready to help you. Contact us today for more information and to schedule your consultation.

Stroke Resources

Stroke in Younger Adults

Areas of the Brain Affected by Stroke

We've Got You Covered for Specialized Stroke Screening, Prevention, and Management

Imagine heart attacks where the blood flow to your heart is blocked. Similarly, a stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain is interrupted becoming a "brain attack". When blood supply does not reach a certain part, brain cells begin to die. Different types of stroke include ischemic strokes (blockage of blood vessel due to blood clot) or a mini stroke, a TIA (transient ischemic attack), with no permanent damage yet serious. Stroke also occurs when a blood vessel in the brain pops causing bleeding in the brain.

When a stroke occurs, the symptoms of stroke depend on how blood flow to the brain is affected. Individuals at high risk and even higher risk (family history) often have high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, or another risk factor for stroke, all of which increase the risk of stroke.  Disrupted blood flow can  even damage the blood vessel in the brain and affect one side of the body. Having a stroke doesn’t mean it has to lead to permanent disabilities. Recognizing early warning signs is essential to reduce the risk, and in some cases, procedures such as carotid endarterectomy may help increase the blood vessel in the brain and restore healthy circulation.

Certain areas of the brain can be affected by stroke and some symptoms of a stroke including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels increase the risk of stroke whereas an active lifestyle or controlling high cholesterol reduces the risk. How well do you know stroke? Find tips to prevent and manage stroke, the differences in stroke screening tests, and the newer technology and treatments available. Come in for an easy consultation and further evaluation with our stroke specialist in Singapore at the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic. 

Supreme Vascular and Interventional Stroke Programs

Neurointerventional / Stroke Treatments

Brain Aneurysm

The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your "go-to" facility for various neurointerventional / stroke conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our stroke specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.