When a portion of the brain reduces blood flow, a stroke occurs. Within a few minutes, your brain cells begin to die because they are unable to receive the oxygen and nutrition they require from the blood. Long-term brain damage, permanent disability, or even death may result from this.
Make an immediate call to the emergency helpline if you believe that you or someone else is having a stroke. In addition to improving the likelihood of a successful recovery and rehabilitation, prompt treatment may save a life.
Signs and Symptoms
Take note of when the symptoms started, as you or the person you have with you may experience a stroke. Certain treatments work best when administered after a stroke occurs. Stroke symptoms include:
- Difficulty communicating and comprehending others. A stroke victim may slur words, get disoriented, or lose their ability to comprehend communication.
- Weakness, paralysis, or numbness in the arm, leg, or face. Usually, just one side of the body is impacted. The individual may attempt to lift both arms above their head. A stroke could be indicated if one arm starts to fall. Additionally, when tempted to smile, one side of the mouth may droop.
- Vision issues may occur in one or both eyes. One or both of the person’s eyes may suddenly become bloody or darkened. Or the individual might see two.
- A headache. A sudden, intense headache could indicate a stroke. Together with the headache, there may be nausea, lightheadedness, and a shifting consciousness.
- Difficulty in walking. After a stroke, a person may lose their balance, coordination, or stumble.
Types of Stroke
Three primary categories of stroke exist:
- Ischemic stroke: Accounting for 87% of all stroke cases, Ischemic stroke is the most prevalent kind. A blood clot stops Oxygen and blood from getting to a part of the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: A ruptured blood vessel causes hemorrhagic stroke. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or aneurysms are typically the cause of this.
- A transient ischemic attack (TIA): It happens when there is insufficient blood supply to a specific area of the brain for a short while. After a little while, normal blood flow returns, and the symptoms go away on their own. This is sometimes referred to as a “ministroke”.
Who is Susceptible to Stroke?
Your chance of having a stroke can be increased by several variables. Among the primary risk factors are:
- Elevated blood pressure is the main risk factor for a stroke.
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions. Strokes can result from Blood clots brought on by atrial fibrillation and other cardiac conditions.
- Smoking. Smoking causes blood vessel damage and elevated blood pressure.
- A history of stroke or TIA in one’s family or personally.
- Age is a big factor. Your risk for stroke rises with your age.
Is it possible to prevent strokes?
You can attempt to prevent future strokes by adopting some heart-healthy lifestyle choices if you have already experienced one or are at risk of having one:
- Consuming a heart-healthy diet
- Trying to maintain a healthy weight
- Stress management
- Engaging in regular exercise
- Avoiding smoking
- Controlling the cholesterol and blood pressure
You could require medication to manage your risk factors if these adjustments are insufficient.
Issues
Sometimes a stroke results in either short-term or long-term impairments. The length of time the brain is without blood supply and the area that is impacted determine the complications. Among the complications are:
- Paralysis or loss of muscle action: On one side of your body, you can become paralysed. Some muscles, such as those on one arm or one side of the face, may also become uncontrollable.
- Difficulties following were speaking. Mouth and throat muscles may be affected by a stroke. Eating, swallowing, and speaking clearly may become difficult as a result. You might also struggle with language, whether it be reading, writing, speaking, or understanding.
- Cognitive impairment for memory loss. Memory loss is a common occurrence for stroke survivors. Others could struggle with reasoning, thinking, forming opinions, and comprehending ideas.
- Symptoms related to emotions. Emotional regulation may be more difficult for stroke survivors. Or they might become depressed.
- Pain. The stroke-affected areas of the body may experience pain, numbness, or other sensations. You can get a burning sensation in your left arm if a stroke leaves you without feeling in that arm.
- Behaviour and self-care shifts: Stroke survivors could become more reclusive. They can also require a distance from everyday tasks, like grooming.