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| brain stroke |
Brain Stroke
· What is a brain stroke?
Brain stroke
happens when there is a blockage in the blood circulation in the brain or when
a blood vessel in the brain breaks and leaks. The burst or blockage prevents
blood and oxygen reaching the brain tissue. Without oxygen the tissues and
cells in the brain are damaged and die in no time leading to many symptoms.
Once brain cells
die, they generally do not regenerate mental disabilities it is crucial that
proper blood flow and oxygen be restored to the brain as soon as possible.
· What are the types of stroke?
There are two types of
stroke:
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A transient ischemic
attack (TIA) is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” It is different from the
major types of stroke, because blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a
short time—usually no more than 5 minutes.
1. Ischemic stroke,
Most strokes are
ischemic strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots or other particles
block the blood vessels to the brain.
Fatty deposits called plaque can also cause blockages by building up in the blood vessels.
2.
Hemorrhagic stroke,
A hemorrhagic stroke
happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The
leaked blood puts too much pressure on brain cells, which damages them.
High blood pressure and
aneurysms—balloon-like bulges in an artery that can stretch and burst are
examples of conditions that can cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
· What are the symptoms of a brain stroke?
The range and severity of early stroke symptoms vary
considerably, but they share the common characteristic symptom of sudden onset.
Common signs and symptoms of a brain stroke include:
1.
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg,
especially on one side of the body.
2.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
3.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
4.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance and
coordination.
5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
· What are the risk factors causing brain stroke?
1.
High Blood Pressure: A blood pressure reading of 140/90
or above increases stroke risk 4-6 times.
2.
High Cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol in the
bloodstream can clog arteries and cause a stroke or heart attack.
3.
Diabetes: Diabetes increases stroke risk 2-4
times.
4.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF): irregular heartbeats. AF increases
stroke risk up to 6 times.
5.
Tobacco Use/Smoking: Smoking doubles the risk of stroke.
6.
Alcohol Use: Drinking more than 2 drinks per day
may increase stroke risk by 50%.
7.
Physical Inactivity or Obesity: Excess weight puts a strain on the
entire circulatory system. It also makes people more likely to have high
cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes -- all of which can increase your
risk for stroke.
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