What does stroke mean?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on July 03, 2025
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The English name for 脑卒中 is "stroke," which in Chinese mainly translates from English. In medicine, it is referred to as cerebrovascular disease. Stroke onset is very aggressive, rapidly reaching its peak, typically within minutes to days. Stroke primarily includes ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic strokes primarily encompass diseases such as cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism, whereas hemorrhagic strokes mainly include cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Regardless of the type, strokes pose a significant risk to human health. If not promptly addressed, they can severely affect health and even threaten the patient's life. Therefore, stroke patients must immediately go to the hospital for a thorough examination to determine the type of stroke and receive appropriate treatment.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Can a stroke be detected through a physical examination?

Patients who have suffered a stroke can definitely be diagnosed if they undergo a head CT scan or MRI during a physical examination. Stroke is classified into hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, and tumor-induced stroke. A tumor-induced stroke is caused by a tumor, and hemorrhagic stroke includes cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Ischemic stroke refers to diseases such as cerebral embolism and cerebral infarction. Whether it is a hemorrhagic or ischemic lesion, over time, they tend to form a softening focus. These lesions are difficult to eliminate, and regardless of how many years have passed, these old lesions can still be seen in a head CT scan or MRI. In cases of stroke caused by brain tumors, the changes in size and location of the lesion can also be clearly seen on a head CT scan. Therefore, strokes can be diagnosed during a physical examination of the patients.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Stroke and Its Treatment

Stroke primarily refers to cerebrovascular disease, characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms that develop within minutes. This rapid development of symptoms is why it is called a stroke. Stroke commonly affects middle-aged and elderly people who often have certain risk factors. For example, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, drinking, obesity, and heart diseases like atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke. For the treatment of stroke, it is crucial to reach the hospital as soon as possible, as earlier treatment leads to better outcomes. Generally, if it is suitable, the patient may receive intravenous thrombolysis. Additionally, treatment may involve anti-atherosclerosis measures, nutritional support for nerves, and rehabilitation training, which is also very important.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Stroke, also commonly referred to as cerebrovascular accident, is caused by the rupture or blockage of blood vessels within the skull, leading to necrosis of brain tissue and a series of symptoms. It is divided into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke, commonly known as cerebral infarction or stroke, while hemorrhagic stroke refers to cerebral hemorrhage. Generally, ischemic strokes account for 80% of cases. Ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of blood vessels leading to necrosis of brain tissue, presenting with a series of symptoms such as hemiplegic numbness. Cerebral hemorrhage results from rupture of brain blood vessels causing damage to brain cells and symptoms of compression, and may also present with symptoms such as hemiplegic numbness. Both types can be differentiated by their symptoms, and can also be definitively diagnosed through a CT scan.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What medicine is used for stroke?

Stroke primarily refers to cerebrovascular disease, which is divided into two main categories. The first category is hemorrhagic stroke, including cerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and other diseases. The second category is ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, including cerebral thrombosis, cerebral embolism, and other diseases. Thus, although both categories are classified as stroke, the medications used are different. For cerebral hemorrhage, the patient needs to rest in bed and must strictly control blood pressure, primarily using medications that strictly control blood pressure. There are no special oral medications, but intravenous medications can be given to protect brain nerves. If intracranial pressure is high, some dehydrating and intracranial pressure-reducing medications can be administered. For ischemic stroke, such as cerebral thrombosis, it is crucial to get to the hospital quickly. If it is within the thrombolytic time window, intravenous thrombolytic drugs can be administered for treatment, from which many patients may benefit. Additionally, it is necessary to take long-term medications that prevent platelet aggregation and regulate blood lipids, as well as stabilize arterial atherosclerotic plaques.

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Written by Tang Bo
Neurology
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What medicine to take for a stroke?

Stroke includes ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, also known as cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage. The medications used for these two diseases differ, so it is essential to identify which type of disease it is. When symptoms occur, such as slurred speech, limb weakness, or other symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Perform a cranial CT scan first to rule out bleeding, and then consider cerebral infarction. If it is a cerebral infarction, thrombolytic therapy can be administered within 4.5 hours of the acute phase, followed by hospital treatment. During the acute phase of a cerebral hemorrhage, the decision on whether to proceed with surgery depends on the amount of bleeding. Regardless of the situation, these conditions are often underpinned by several underlying diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, along with other risk factors. Therefore, medication needs to be personalized, and it is also necessary to check for any contraindications to determine what medication to use. (Medication use should be guided by a professional doctor.)