It can be very distressing to see someone suffering from stroke! But, knowing about this medical emergency can help you in handling the situation in a better way. So, here’s the complete information about the Stroke, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

In layman’s language, Strokes are nothing but Brain attacks. They can happen to anyone at any time. The major reason for a stroke to occur is the hindrance is the Blood flow to the specific area in the brain. Due to this, brain cells lack oxygen and start to die. This results in loss in the capabilities and functionalities of that particular region of the brain.

Strokes, in no manner should be considered casually. They are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. A delay in detecting the stroke can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Read on to aware yourself about this ‘brain attack’.

Types of Stroke

Stroke can be of two types depending upon the conditions of the blood vessels in the brain.

Hemorrhagic Stroke – Hemorrhagic Stroke occur when the blood vessels in the brain break. The ruptures in the blood vessel cause the blood to seep into brain tissues and thus creating damage to brain cells. High blood pressure or thin walls of blood vessels are the major reasons behind this type of stroke.

Ischemic Stroke – This stroke is very much similar to the heart attack and happens because of a clot in any or all the blood vessels carrying blood to the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) – Usually considered as a mini-stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack is the consequence of hindrance in the normal blood flow to the brain. Its symptoms stop as soon as the normal blood supply in the brain resumes.

Causes of Stroke

Although, the causes of stroke differ depending upon the type of the stroke, there are potential risk factors which can increase the chances of stroke. The various possible causes and risk factors of stroke are mentioned below.

• Men are more prone to suffer Stroke than women
• Being overweight
• Being of age 55 or more
• Having high cholesterol
• Having high blood pressure
• Patent foramen ovale
• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart valve disease
• Having a personal or family history of stroke
• A tendency to smoke, drink or consume illicit drugs
• Suffering from trauma
• Hypertension
• Aneurysms
• Intake of blood-thinning medications
• Diabetes
• Clots due to fatty deposits within the arteries
• Inactive lifestyle

Symptoms of Stroke

Understanding the symptoms of stroke can aid in diagnosing it better and on time. It can also help in saving a life.

• The most common way to recognize a stroke is acronym ‘F.A.S.T’.
  • Face drooping: Weakness or numbness of the face
  • Arm weakness: Inability to raise the arms
  • Speech difficulty: Not able to utter simple phrase
  • Time to call 911: If any of the above signs are observed, the emergency services should be contacted immediately
• Loss of vision or dimming (like a curtain falling) in one or both eyes
• Severe, sudden headache without any known cause
• Depression
• Bladder or bowel control problems
• Pain in the hands and feet that gets worse with temperature changes and movement

Treatments

It is always better to be safe than sorry. Various preventive measures and treatments can help in treating the strokes efficiently.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the most important factor to prevent stroke
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Doctors can help in restoring an adequate flow of blood to the brain
• Intake of drugs that break down clots and prevent others from forming may be recommended
• Angioplasty
• Surgery can be done to repair any problems with blood vessels
• Maintaining a healthy weight is advisable
• Speech, physical, occupational therapy helps a lot
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking and tobacco
• Avoid alcohol or drinking moderately
• Treat obstructive sleep apnea
• Rehabilitation

Stroke needs to be diagnosed and treated without any delay. Hope this article will help many to widen the gap between life and death by delivering right and complete information about stroke.

Know more about Stroke Treatment at top hospitals in India