Information About Stroke and Its Causes
A stroke is a condition where blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This is a medical emergency that can deprive the brain of the nutrients and oxygen that it needs. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke and getting the victim to the hospital as soon as possible are the keys to survival. Patients who are having a stroke often have trouble walking and talking. Severe headache, trouble seeing and a feeling of numbness in the face or body are also stroke symptoms.
There are two primary stroke causes. One of the things that can cause a stroke is ischemia, which is a condition that impedes blood flow. This is referred to as an ischemic stroke. A stroke can also occur when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts. This is referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke.
Early stroke treatment is the key to preventing long-term damage. There are a plethora of treatment options available to help increase a person's chances of surviving a stroke. The doctor may put a catheter in the patient's brain to remove the blood clot(s). If the stroke was caused by an aneurysm, the patient may be required to have surgery. The doctor may also perform a procedure called an angioplasty. An angioplasty is a procedure that clears a blocked artery.
Today's medical advances have greatly increased the quality of people who have suffered from a stroke. Stroke victims often suffer from paralysis on one side of their body. Physical therapists and occupational therapists are medical professionals who can assist people with the activities of daily living such as eating, walking and talking.
A doctor may also advise a patient take an aspirin daily to prevent a second stroke. Patients who suffer from stroke often experience low self-esteem and would benefit from talking to a counselor or psychologist about their feelings. Nurses and social workers are also trained to help people deal with the aftermath of a stroke.
Strokes can be prevented in most cases. That is why health care experts are constantly giving stroke information so that people can know what the preventive measures to take. People who are over the age of 55 and have a family history of stroke are at an increased risk for having one themselves. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done about age and family history. However, there are many other risk factors that people can do something about.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition that millions of people suffer from. Chronic hypertension can greatly increase a person's chances of having a stroke. People who have hypertension can manage their blood pressure by exercising, losing weight and eating a well-balanced diet that is high in potassium. Many patients will have to be put on medication to control their blood pressure.
People who have diabetes are also at an increased risk for having a stroke. Keeping this condition under control can reduce one's chances of having a stroke. Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to potentially be helpful in stroke prevention. Moderate is defined as two drinks per day for men and one drink for women. However, it is important to note that people who drink alcohol excessively have an increased chance of having a stroke. People should not start drinking just to get the benefits because the risks are too great.
Additionally, people should also make sure that they avoid smoking and using illicit drugs.
