What Causes a Stroke? Preventing and Treating a Dangerous Stroke
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood supply of the brain. Because a stroke occurs rapidly and requires immediate treatment it is also called a brain attack.The effects of a stroke depends on which part of the brain is injured, and how severely it’s injured. Strokes may cause sudden weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty with speaking, walking or seeing. Since different parts of the brain control different areas and functions, it is usually the area immediately surrounding the stroke that is affected. It is very important to regonize the warning sign and get immediat medical attention.
Warning signs
The most common sign of stroke is sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body.
Other warning signs can include:
-sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
-sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
-sudden severe headache with no known cause
-sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of coordination and balance
The signs of a stroke depend on the side of the brain that is affected, the part of the brain and how severely the brain is injured. So, that means that every person can have different warning signs.
Make sure that if you or someone you know is having those signs, to talk 911 and seek medical help immediately.
Types of Stroke
Stroke or brain attack is a sudden problem affecting the blood vessels of the brain. There are several types of stroke, and the each type has different causes.
Ischemic Stroke
The most common type of stroke, it accounts for almost 80 percent of all strokes. This stroke is caused by a clot or blockage within an artery leading to the brain.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
This stroke is caused by the sudden rupture of an artery within the brain. Blood is then released into the brain, compressing the brain structures.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
This is also a type of stroke that is caused by sudden rupture of an artery. It differs from the intercerebral hemorrhage, in that the location of the rupture leads to flood filling the space surrounding the brain rather than inside of it.
What are the risk factors of stroke?
-High blood pressure
-High cholestorol
-Smoking
-Obesity
-Physical inactivity
Who are the people at risk?
-men and women over 55
-stroke survivor
-people with diabetes
-family history of stroke
-people with sickle cell anemia
-heart and vascular disease sufferers
How can you reduce your risk?
-don’t smoke
-control your diabetes, high blood pressure and cholestorol
-be active and exercise
-Aspirin has proven to reduce the risk of another stroke. Ask your doctor you see if you aspirin is right for you and a affective
treatment
What to do if a loved one had a stroke?
Family members play a critical role in the recovery from stroke, particularly as lengths of stay in hospital and rehabilitation setting continue to decrease. Stroke recovery takes at least two years, alot of support in this time comes from family and friends.
Providing for a stroke patient can be a very rewarding experience, but on the other hand it’s very stressful. The rehabilitaion process is very long and and there can be permanent damage from the stroke. It can be very hurtful to have to watch your loved in this kind of situation. Plus, it will be a financial burdon. You will more than likely have to hire a nurse or caregiver, if you have a job, so you must look into the option you have to finance this.
