Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. This can lead to brain damage and neurological problems which may affect movement, speech, thinking, or emotions.
Types of Stroke
Ischemic Stroke
It is caused by a blockage in a brain artery, often due to a blood clot. This stops blood from reaching part of the brain. In rare cases, ischemic stroke can also be caused by other conditions like blood vessel tears or certain diseases that affect blood flow in the brain.
Trasient Ischemic Attack(TIA)
It is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms improve quickly, but it is a warning sign of a future stroke and needs medical attention.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
It is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. It is often related to high blood pressure or brain aneurysms (ballooning of a blood vessel).
Symptoms of Stroke
Recognizing stroke symptoms early is essential for effective treatments.
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one side)
- Facial drooping
- Slurred or unclear speech
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden confusion (such as trouble understanding, not knowing where they are, or acting strangely)
- Dizziness with or without loss of balance
- Severe headache with no known cause
Remember FAST
- Face: Does one side of the face droop when the person smiles?
- Arm: Is one arm weak, or does it slowly fall or drop down?
- Speech: Is speech slurred or hard to understand?
- Time: Time to call emergency services immediately.
What Causes Stroke?
- Ischemic Stroke: usually caused by a blood clot that forms in narrowed arteries or travels from the heart.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: often caused by high blood pressure or a ruptured blood vessel, such as a brain aneurysm.
Risk Factors of Stroke
High blood pressure
- The most important risk factor for both types of stroke
Diabetes
- Increases risk by damaging blood vessels.
Heart disease
- Conditions like atrial fibrillation can cause clots that travel to the brain.
High cholesterol
- Leads to plaque buildup and narrowing of arteries.
Smoking
- Damages vessels and raises clotting risk.
Excessive alcohol
- Raises blood pressure and stroke risk.
Obesity
- Associated with other risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension.
Prevention of Stroke
Eat healthy
- Go for balanced meals. Cut back on salt, sugar, and fatty food.
Stay active
- Exercise regularly- at least 40 minutes, 4 times a week.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Quit smoking completely. If you drink, keep it moderate.
Maintain a healthy weight
- Keeping a healthy weight and waist size reduces your risk.
Monitor your health
- Check your blood pressure regularly and get your blood sugar and cholesterol levels checked during regular health checkups.
Take medications as prescribed
- Manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol