Medical experts often use the NIH Stroke Scale to determine the severity of a stroke. Patients that score between 21 and 42 (the highest possible score) are considered to have suffered a massive stroke.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is cut off. Brain cells that don't receive oxygen die, which impacts your ability to function normally. A "massive" stroke simply means that a large portion of your brain was denied blood, according to Healthline.
However, there are some trends. Less than 50% of people who have a massive stroke will survive for five years, with less than 10% being survivors of massive hemorrhagic strokes. Almost all survivors will have varying levels of disability that is either physical, cognitive, or functional in nature.
The most severe strokes can leave a person unable to respond, or in a sleep-like state. This is sometimes called unconsciousness or coma, and it means that important parts of the brain are not working well. Coma is a worrying sign, as it may mean that the stroke is severe enough that the person may not survive.
The ability to recover from any stroke depends on how long it lasts and how quickly a sufferer gets medical attention. In some cases, a victim can make a full recovery, but two-thirds of those who experience a stroke must cope with long-term disability.
It is possible to live a normal life after a stroke, but you will need to actively participate in your rehab. Brain injuries can affect mobility, swallowing, speech and, therefore, your ability to do the vital tasks of daily living. So, you will need help, support, counselling, encouragement, and loving care.
The typical length of a hospital stay after a stroke is five to seven days. During this time, the stroke care team will evaluate the effects of the stroke, which will determine the rehabilitation plan.
They happen when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. These blood clots typically form in areas where the arteries have been narrowed or blocked over time by fatty deposits (plaques). This process is known as atherosclerosis.
Very low health-related quality of life is relatively common after stroke, particularly in patients with mobility problems or who are dependent on help for usual activities, and is related to poor functional outcome measures.
A stroke keeps blood from reaching the brain and leads to brain tissue damage. About 10% of people who experience a stroke eventually develop severe pain that is called post-stroke pain, central pain, or thalamic pain (after the part of the brain typically affected).
The figures show that 38% of people suffering strokes are middle aged (40-69) – up from 33% a decade ago. The average age for a woman suffering a stroke has dropped from 75 to 73 and for men it has dropped from 71 to 68.
The main thing to remember is that even a massive stroke doesn't involve pain aside from the sudden headache. The numbness and weakness on one side of the body don't hurt, the vision problems aren't painful and the trouble with balancing and walking isn't painful.
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
Hemorrhagic strokes are less common, making up about 15 percent of stroke cases, but they are often deadlier, Sozener says. Patients may experience one of the following types: Intracerebral hemorrhage, a weak blood vessel breaking inside the brain.
Brainstem hemorrhage, which is the cause of respiratory and vasomotor centers dysfunction, is frequently the direct cause of sudden death caused by stroke, and not only cerebral edema, but also secondary lethal arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, or asphyxiation by dysphagia may be indirect causes of ...
Stroke severity is not predictable
Every stroke is different, and there is no way to predict stroke severity until examination by specialized healthcare professionals. Physicians measure the initial damage of a stroke by using the NIH Stroke Scale or NIHSS.
An IV injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) — also called alteplase (Activase) or tenecteplase (TNKase) — is the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke. An injection of TPA is usually given through a vein in the arm within the first three hours.
How Does a Stroke Impact Life Expectancy? Despite the likelihood of making a full recovery, life expectancy after stroke incidents can decrease. Unfortunately, researchers have observed a wide range of life expectancy changes in stroke patients, but the average reduction in lifespan is nine and a half years.
Some people will experience symptoms such as headache, numbness or tingling several days before they have a serious stroke. One study found that 43% of stroke patients experienced mini-stroke symptoms up to a week before they had a major stroke.
During the first few days after your stroke, you might be very tired and need to recover from the initial event. Meanwhile, your team will identify the type of stroke, where it occurred, the type and amount of damage, and the effects. They may perform more tests and blood work.
After receiving prompt treatments during stroke attacks, the golden period of post-stroke rehabilitation is within 3-6 months. Rehabilitation helps stroke survivors relearn skills that are lost when part of the brain is damaged.
Stroke impacts the brain, and the brain controls our behavior and emotions. You or your loved one may experience feelings of irritability, forgetfulness, carelessness or confusion. Feelings of anger, anxiety or depression are also common.