Brain Stroke

brain stroke

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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:

stroke

1.    Ischemic stroke.

2.    Hemorrhagic stroke.

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.