The formation of a blood clot or the hindered flow of blood to the brain causes a stroke. This occurrence means that blood can no longer flow to important areas of the brain. Someone experiencing a stroke will begin to show signs immediately. Many are mild and may last for only a few minutes, however some may be severe or the mild symptoms may go on for a longer period of time. If this occurs it is very important to seek out the help of a medical professional immediately. If the stroke is not dealt with in a timely manner, irreversible damage and disability may occur.
Signals of a stroke.
- Tingling sensation in the face or extremities - Paralysis or weakness on one side - Difficulty speaking - Inability to understand speech - Blindness - Dizziness - Pain - Nausea/vomiting - Sudden intense headache
If you or anyone around you is having these symptoms, call 911 and get emergency medical help right away.
Risk Factors for Stroke:
- Age: At age 55 the risk of stroke doubles every ten years after - Race - Gender: Typically, women are less likely to experience a stroke than men - Previous stroke - Fractures resulting in a fat embolism - Family History - Atrial Fibrillation
What to do to reduce your risk:
Take blood pressure medications as prescribed and monitor your blood pressure. Reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Monitor blood sugar levels daily before meals and at bedtime. Increase exercise. Eat a healthy diet. Quit smoking.
A CT, MRI or Angiogram is what doctor's will use in order to determine what type of stroke someone has experienced as well as its location and the extent of damage it has caused.
Treatment involves clot busters, such as tPA that must be given within hours of the onset of symptoms. Surgical intervention is an option for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
After Stroke care:
Every patient is different and so are recovery times after a stroke has occurred. A timeline can range from a few days to over a year to recover full function. In some cases, the use of physical, occupational and speech therapy may be needed.
Medications:
Thrombolytics - Clot busters that loosen or break up blood clots. The debris is cleaned up by phagocytic cells. Antiplatelet - Prevents platelet s from sticking together, thus preventing clot formation. Anticoagulants - Stops clots from forming, particularly those with A-fib who are prone to blood clots due to the rapid contractions of the atria of the heart.
If other diseases are present such as diabetes or hypertension, it is very important that you mange them carefully in order to ensure a lower risk of experiencing a stroke.
Regular exercise 3 days per week will help to reduce hypertension. High blood pressure is the major cause of stoke and is a factor in hemorrhagic strokes.
Healthy eating consisting of a diet containing whole grains and nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and foods low in fat and high in fiber help to lower your risks that cause strokes.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and featured health writer on Clivir.com. You can find here her lessons on Causes of Stroke and other information about Early Warning Signs of Stroke.
Get all the information and photos:: http://coringa.info/education/signs-of-a-stroke
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