A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Ischemic stroke, caused by blockage of a blood vessel, is the most common type.

Some patients with a major blood-vessel blockage may benefit from mechanical thrombectomy, an advanced endovascular procedure in which a catheter is used to remove the clot and restore blood flow to the brain.

Symptoms of stroke

Remember BE-FAST:

* B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
* E – Eyes: Sudden difficulty seeing
* F – Face: Facial weakness or drooping
* A – Arm: Sudden weakness or numbness
* S – Speech: Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
* T – Time: Seek emergency medical attention immediately

Other symptoms may include sudden severe headache, dizziness, confusion or difficulty walking.

Neurointerventional treatment

Depending on the type and timing of stroke, treatment may include:

* Mechanical thrombectomy
* Intra-arterial treatment in selected situations
* Angioplasty or stenting for selected arterial blockages
* Treatment of underlying vascular abnormalities

Stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute matters.