Stroke – Types, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Stroke?
An interruption or reduction in the supply of blood to the brain causes a cerebral stroke. This lack of supply results in the lack of oxygen or nutrients to the brain and leads to dying of brain cells. Blood flow could also be affected as a result of a ruptured artery to the brain, or blockage.

Stroke Causes

High blood pressure : It’s one of the major factors of strokes. If your blood pressure is typically 140/90 or higher than this figure, you should consult your doctor.

Tobacco : Smoking or chewing tobacco raises the chances of a stroke
Heart diseases : This condition includes a defective valve as well as irregular heartbeat, which are two of the major causes of strokes among elderly people.

Diabetes : Diabetes damages blood vessels and thus, may cause stroke.

Medications : Blood thinners that are used to prevent blood clots can sometimes make a stroke occurrence more likely through bleeding.

Age factor : Though anyone could have a stroke but your chances go up as you get older.

Family history : Strokes can result from a genetic disorder that blocks blood flow to the brain.

 

WITH STROKE, YOU MUST MOVE F-A-S-T

F (face): Uneven smile, facial droopiness, numbness, vision disturbance
A (arm & leg): Weakness, numbness, difficulty walking
S (speech): Slurred, inappropriate words
T (time): Realize that time is critical. If you notice any of the above symptoms, immediately rush to the hospital.

 

SYMPTOMS OF STROKE

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Drooping face on one side
Sudden confusion
Inability to speak coherently
Inability to understand what someone else is saying
Sudden slurred speech
Tongue drifts to one side when the person sticks it out
Sudden trouble with vision in one eye
Sudden lack of balance or coordination; inability to walk
Sudden, severe headache

 

How to prevent a stroke

Here are six steps anyone can take to reduce the risk and danger of a stroke:

1. Know your personal risk factors: High blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol.
2. Be physically active and exercise regularly.
3. Maintain a healthy diet- High in fruits and vegetables and low in salt to keep the blood pressure low.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
5. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now.
6. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke.