Understanding Stroke
stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, either by blood clots or narrowed blood vessels, or when there is bleeding in the brain. Deprived of nutrients, brain nerve cells begin to die within a few minutes. As a result, a stroke can cause sensory and vision loss, problems with talking and walking, or difficulty in thinking clearly. In many cases, the effects of stroke are irreversible.
There are 2 broad categories of stroke:
| Ischemic strokes are caused by a blood clot or blockages in the arteries, and hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels rupture. Ischemic strokes are most commonly caused by blockages in the carotid arteries and are responsible for up to 80% of strokes. As people age, arteries become narrowed with rough deposits of plaque called "stenosis". Diseased arteries can clog up completely as the plaque accumulates or can be shut down by clotting conditions called "embolism" and "thrombosis". When the arteries become plugged, the blood is no longer able to reach the brain and stroke results. |  |
Thrombotic strokes are caused by fatty deposits (plaque) which have built up in the arteries carrying blood to the brain. This slows blood-flow and can cause clots to form on the plaque that narrows or blocks the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the brain.
An embolic stroke is caused by a blood clot formed in another part of the body which breaks loose, travels through the bloodstream, and then blocks an artery carrying nutrients and oxygen to the brain.
A hemorrhagic stroke takes place when an artery supplying blood bleeds into the brain. The ruptured blood vessel prevents needed oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells. One type of hemorrhagic stroke is caused when an artery which has weakened over time, bulges (called an aneurysm) and suddenly bursts.
Strokes are the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S
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Some people are more at risk for stroke than others. Chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can increase your risk, as well as lifestyle choices such as being overweight, smoking cigarettes, or drinking excessively. Men, African Americans, and people with a family history of stroke have a higher risk as well. If you have already had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (referred to as a TIA or "mini-stroke"), you are also at highest risk. Warning signs include sudden unexplained numbness or tingling sensation especially on one side), blurred vision, slurred speech, clumsiness or stumbling.
What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?
A TIA, or mini stroke, is a kind of ischemic stroke. Symptoms last a few minutes to a few hours and then disappear. Always report a TIA to your doctor. A TIA is often a sign that a more damaging stroke is on its way. Seek treatment right away, even if symptoms go away quickly.
Are you at risk for a stroke?
Having many risk factors does not automatically mean you will have a stroke and those with no or few risk factors may not necessarily avoid a stroke.
e National Stroke Association "Stroke Prevention Guidelines" advise patients to:
- Know your blood pressure, have it checked at least once a year
- Find out if you have atrial fibrillation, which encourages the formation of blood clots that could cause a stroke
- If you smoke, stop
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
- Find out if you have high cholesterol
- If you have diabetes, take measures to control the condition
- Include exercise in your daily routine
- Eat a low-salt diet
- Ask your physician if you have circulation problems that could increase the risk of stroke and
- If you experience any stroke symptoms, including sudden weakness of the face or a limb, a blurring of vision, dizziness, or an intense headache, seek immediate medical attention.
High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke.
Information from http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/stroke-prevention.htm
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