Stroke, a
medical emergency occurs as a result of the interruption of blood supply to a
part of the brain. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and treatment for stroke will
help to minimize its occurrence and manage its happenings.
The
interruption of blood supply to a part of the brain denies the brain tissues
the nutrients and oxygen they require. Within a short space of time, the brain
cells begin to die. Prompt action can help to correct any damage it may cause.
Fortunately,
fewer people die of stroke compared to the past. There are some symptoms to
watch out for to take quick actions before it aggravates.
Types Of Stroke
There are
three types of stroke;
i.
Transient
ischemic stroke
ii.
Ischemic
stroke
iii.
Hemorrhagic
stroke
Transient
Ischemic attack
This is also
known as a ministroke. It occurs when there is a temporary blockage. It leaves
no permanent damage but results in real stroke in one of every three persons
that experienced it
Ischemic
stroke
This type of
stroke is said to have occurred where fatty build-up or a blood clot blocks an
artery that supplies blood to the brain. This blockage can be in the skull or
at the neck.
Hemorrhagic
stroke
This occurs
when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds. This bleeding goes into the
surrounding brain which compresses the brain tissue.
Symptoms Of Stroke
Communication
disorder
This is also
known as Aphasia, when the left part of the brain that controls language and
speech is affected hence the victims is unable to communicate well and unable
to understand what he/she hears
Paralysis
This is usually common among victims of stroke. It is also known as ‘hemiplegia. When the left hemisphere of a person’s brain is affected, the person will suffer paralysis on the right side of the body. Paralysis affects some or all the sides of the body. Such a person can have issues with the right leg, right hand, right part of the face at the same time.
Difficulty
in movement
After a
stroke occurs, the victim can find it hard getting along with movement
activities such as walking, bending, and going around. This occurs because a
stroke may damage the part of the brain that controls movement hence signals
from the brain get scrambled and the muscles and mind may not work well
together.
You may also
feel unsteady on your feet. One may get tired quickly making you unable to
carry out very few activities
Severe
headache
Stroke is
also associated with a severe headache. Where you notice an intense headache
without a cause you can identify its most likely that you are having a stroke,
someone might mistake it for migraine but know that migraine starts gradually
then aggravates unlike the case of stroke, it happens suddenly.
Causes of stroke
This is a
situation where the force of pull by the blood against the artery is very high
for a long period. Where this occurs, the blood vessel that supplies blood to the
brain can be weakened after which it can burst hence resulting in a hemorrhagic
type of stroke.
Tobacco and
its products
The presence
of nicotine in tobacco increases the level of blood pressure. The smoke from a
cigarette can thicken the blood making it likely to clot. The smoke also causes
a fatty build up specifically at the neck artery.
There is a
higher risk of mortality for victims who had a stroke as a result of an
uncontrolled sugar level. Victims of diabetes are at higher risk of having a
stroke compared to many other factors. This is because the excess sugar may
contribute to the buildup of fat deposits inside the blood vessel responsible
for supplying blood to the brain and neck.
Over time,
these deposits may cause a total blockage in the blood vessel, stopping the
blood flow to the brain hence the occurrence of a stroke
Cocaine
Research
showed that people who stand the risk of having a stroke due to the intake of
cocaine do so only within 24hours after the intake of this drug. Previous
intake of cocaine does not contribute to the risk of having a stroke.
Obesity
Obese people
stand the risk of having an ischemic stroke caused by a lack of blood flow.
This is due to the excess fatty tissue which can cause blockage hence
preventing blood from flowing. Being overweight may not be directly linked to
having a stroke but it is the root cause of the disease that results in a
stroke. High blood pressure and diabetes are good examples.
Absence of
the knowledge about the symptoms causes and treatment of stroke has reduced the
life expectancy of many hence sending them to an early grave. I have revealed the symptoms and causes of
stroke, now let us unveil the treatments available for stroke.
Treatments of stroke
Intravenous
injection of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)
It is also
known as alteplase. It is normally within three hours after a stroke occurs. It
is given through a vein in the arm. This injection helps to dissolve blood clot
causing blockage in the blood to the brain
Carotid
endarterectomy
Use of
antiplatelet drugs for example clopidogrel
Surgical repair
of blood vessels
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