A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain has been halted due to bleeding into the brain or by the formation of a clot. This means that blood flow cannot reach other important areas of the brain, therefore resulting in a stroke. A person experiencing a stroke will begin to exhibit signs. Some signs can be minor and may last for only a few minutes, however if the signs last much longer it is imperative to seek the assistance of a medical professional. The longer the symptoms go on unattended, the more damage they can cause, thus resulting in lifelong disability.
What signs to look for.
- Tingling sensation in the face or extremities - Paralysis or weakness on one side - Difficulty speaking - Inability to understand speech - Blindness - Dizziness - Pain - Nausea/vomiting - Sudden intense headache
If you or anyone around you is having these symptoms, call 911 and get emergency medical help right away.
Risks for Stroke:
- Year of age: Once a person reaches age 55, their risk for stroke doubles every ten years - Family History and Ethnic Background - Gender: Women typically experience less risk of stroke than men - Prior stroke - Atrial Fibrillation - Fractures of bones which can result in a fat embolism
How to reduce your risk:
Take blood pressure medications as prescribed and monitor your blood pressure. Reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Monitor blood sugar levels daily before meals and at bedtime. Increase exercise. Eat a healthy diet. Quit smoking.
Physicians use a CT, MRI or Angiogram to determine the location of a stroke, the amount of damage it caused as well as what type of stroke was experienced.
Medications such as clot busters or tPA must be given to the patient within hours of experiencing a stroke. For more severe types of stroke such as ischemic and hemorrhagic, surgical intervention is required.
After Care:
Recovery after a stroke may take a few days to over a year to complete. In many cases, occupational, physical and speech therapy may be required.
Medications include:
Thrombolytics - Clot busters that loosen or break up blood clots. The debris is cleaned up by phagocytic cells. Antiplatelet - Prevents platelet s from sticking together, thus preventing clot formation. Anticoagulants - Stops clots from forming, particularly those with A-fib who are prone to blood clots due to the rapid contractions of the atria of the heart.
If other diseases are present such as diabetes or hypertension, it is very important that you mange them carefully in order to ensure a lower risk of experiencing a stroke.
Having an exercise regimen at least three days a week can lower blood pressure. Blood pressure is the number one factor in bringing on a stroke or hemorrhagic strokes.
Healthy eating consisting of a diet containing whole grains and nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and foods low in fat and high in fiber help to lower your risks that cause strokes.
What signs to look for.
- Tingling sensation in the face or extremities - Paralysis or weakness on one side - Difficulty speaking - Inability to understand speech - Blindness - Dizziness - Pain - Nausea/vomiting - Sudden intense headache
If you or anyone around you is having these symptoms, call 911 and get emergency medical help right away.
Risks for Stroke:
- Year of age: Once a person reaches age 55, their risk for stroke doubles every ten years - Family History and Ethnic Background - Gender: Women typically experience less risk of stroke than men - Prior stroke - Atrial Fibrillation - Fractures of bones which can result in a fat embolism
How to reduce your risk:
Take blood pressure medications as prescribed and monitor your blood pressure. Reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Monitor blood sugar levels daily before meals and at bedtime. Increase exercise. Eat a healthy diet. Quit smoking.
Physicians use a CT, MRI or Angiogram to determine the location of a stroke, the amount of damage it caused as well as what type of stroke was experienced.
Medications such as clot busters or tPA must be given to the patient within hours of experiencing a stroke. For more severe types of stroke such as ischemic and hemorrhagic, surgical intervention is required.
After Care:
Recovery after a stroke may take a few days to over a year to complete. In many cases, occupational, physical and speech therapy may be required.
Medications include:
Thrombolytics - Clot busters that loosen or break up blood clots. The debris is cleaned up by phagocytic cells. Antiplatelet - Prevents platelet s from sticking together, thus preventing clot formation. Anticoagulants - Stops clots from forming, particularly those with A-fib who are prone to blood clots due to the rapid contractions of the atria of the heart.
If other diseases are present such as diabetes or hypertension, it is very important that you mange them carefully in order to ensure a lower risk of experiencing a stroke.
Having an exercise regimen at least three days a week can lower blood pressure. Blood pressure is the number one factor in bringing on a stroke or hemorrhagic strokes.
Healthy eating consisting of a diet containing whole grains and nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and foods low in fat and high in fiber help to lower your risks that cause strokes.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and featured health writer on Clivir.com. You can find here her lessons on Common Cause of Stroke and other information about Stroke Early Warning Signs.
No comments:
Post a Comment