Stroke

Is it a stroke?

A stroke, sometimes called "brain attack" occurs when blood flow to the area in the brain is cut off. Brain cells, that lack of oxygen and glucose and the need to live, to die. If not known at an early stage, it can cause permanent brain damage.

How does a stroke occur?

There are two types of stroke.
Ischemic stroke is the same as a heart attack, unless it occurs in the brain blood vessels. Clots can form in blood vessels of the brain, the blood vessels leading to the brain or even blood vessels anywhere in the body which then travel to the brain. These blood clots block blood flow to brain cells. Ischemic stroke can also occur when too much plaque (fatty deposits and cholesterol) clog the blood vessels of the brain. About 80% of all strokes are of this type of stroke.
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. The result is blood seeping into the brain tissue, which causes damage to brain cells. The most common causes of hemorrhagic stroke are high blood pressure and brain aneurysms. Aneurysm is a weakness or thinness of the blood vessel wall.

What are the signs of stroke?

The symptoms most common are:
Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of body
Loss of vision or dimming (like a curtain falling) in one or both eyes
Unable to speak, difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying
Severe headaches all of a sudden with an unknown cause
Loss of balance, unstable walking, usually combined with other symptoms.

What should I do if I experience symptoms of a stroke?

Stroke is an emergency situation. Immediate treatment can save your life or increase your chances for full recovery.

Are strokes preventable?

More than 50% of all strokes can be prevented. Many risk factors can be controlled before it causes problems.

Risk Factors that Can be Controlled
High blood pressure
Uncontrolled diabetes
High total cholesterol
Smoking Alcohol
Being overweight
Existing coronary artery disease

Risk Factors that Can not controlled
Age (> 65)
Gender (men have more strokes, while women have a more lethal stroke)
Family History of Stroke

Your doctor can evaluate your risk for stroke and help you control your risk factors. Sometimes, people experience warning signs before a stroke occurs. This is called a transient ischemic attack / transient ischemic attacks (also called TIA or "mini-stroke") and is a short, brief episodes of stroke symptoms listed above. Some people have no warning symptoms before a stroke or symptoms so mild that they are not visible. Regular check-ups important to discover problems before they become serious. Report any symptoms or risk factors with your doctor.
by:cardiaccentre.com