Stroke

Stroke can be defined as basic as is a sudden interruption in the blood flow of the brain.

Signs / Symptoms

What's common signs of stroke?

It is based on depend on which brain’s part and how severely it is injured.

  • Sudden weakness 
  • Loss of sensation
  • Difficulty with speaking, seeing, or walking
  • Severe headache with no known cause

 

Common causes

What's common causes of stroke?

Ischemic Stroke is caused by an abrupt blockage of arteries that feed brain.

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Heart and blood vessel diseases.
  • High LDL cholesterol levels
  • Smoking
  • Being overweight and obese
  • Living or working in areas with air pollution.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Viral infections such as COVID-19
  • Physical inactivity

Hemorrhagic Stroke is by bleeding into brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts.

  • High blood pressure
  • Brain aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
  • Viral Infections or conditions that cause inflammation,
  • Age
  • Family history and genetics
  • Anxiety, depression, and high stress levels.
  • Blood-thinners or other medicines
  • Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol, using illicit drugs

Departments & Emergency

If an individual has signs or symptoms it is recommended to seek urgent medical help such as calling 9-1-1 or going to an Emergency Room.

Diagnosis

  • Medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging test

Treatment

  • Medicines
  • Surgery
  • Supportive treatments
    • Healthy eating
    • Losing weight
    • Regular exercise
    • Quit smoking
    • Cut down alcohol
    • Managing co-existing medical conditions that may increase stroke risk such as diabetes, hypertension
    • Rehabilitation
  • The FAST test can help remember what to do if an individual think someone may be having a stroke:
    • F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
    • A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
    • S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
    • T—Time: If an individual observes any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away. Early treatment is essential.

FAQ

What should you do immediately after a stroke?

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Note the time first see symptoms
  • Perform CPR, if necessary

 

  • DO NOT Let that person go to sleep or talk you out of calling 911
  • DO NOT Give them medication, food, or drinks
  • DO NOT Drive yourself or someone else to the emergency room

 

Can you ever be normal after a stroke?

Rehabilitation helps ease the transition from hospital to home and can help prevent another stroke. Some people recover fully, but others have long-term or lifelong disabilities.

 

References:

  1. http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/what-is-a-stroke/ 
  2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/prevention/ 
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke 
  4. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/stroke 
  5. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1916852-overview 
  6. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/index.htm
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