The formation of a blood clot or the hindered flow of blood to the brain causes a stroke. This occurrence means that blood can no longer flow to important areas of the brain. Someone experiencing a stroke will begin to show signs immediately. Many are mild and may last for only a few minutes, however some may be severe or the mild symptoms may go on for a longer period of time. If this occurs it is very important to seek out the help of a medical professional immediately. If the stroke is not dealt with in a timely manner, irreversible damage and disability may occur.
What are the signs?
- Severe Headache - Dizziness -Blindness - Inability to speak or understand speech - Numbness or weakness on one side of the body - Tingling in the face, arms or legs
If you know of someone around you experiencing these signs, call 011 immediately and seek the help of medical professionals.
Risk Factors 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
Reducing your risks:
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.
A CT, MRI or Angiogram is what doctor's will use in order to determine what type of stroke someone has experienced as well as its location and the extent of damage it has caused.
Treatment involves clot busters, such as tPA that must be given within hours of the onset of symptoms. Surgical intervention is an option for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
After Care:
Every patient is different and so are recovery times after a stroke has occurred. A timeline can range from a few days to over a year to recover full function. In some cases, the use of physical, occupational and speech therapy may be needed.
Medications:
Anticoagulants - This medication prevents clots from forming in those patients with A-fib. These patients are more prone to clots as they experience continuous contractions of the atria of the heart. Antiplatelets - Another medication which prevents clots from forming by ensuring platelets cannot form together in a cluster - Thrombolytics -This medication breaks up or loosens clots, hence the name "clot buster" which is then carried away by phagocytic cells.
If you have other diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is very important to monitor and manage them properly. Proper care will help ensure that the risk of a stroke is lessened and a quality, productive life prevails.
Implementing regular exercise three days a week will assist in managing or preventing high blood pressure which is the number one cause of stroke and 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 are the signs?
- Severe Headache - Dizziness -Blindness - Inability to speak or understand speech - Numbness or weakness on one side of the body - Tingling in the face, arms or legs
If you know of someone around you experiencing these signs, call 011 immediately and seek the help of medical professionals.
Risk Factors 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
Reducing your risks:
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.
A CT, MRI or Angiogram is what doctor's will use in order to determine what type of stroke someone has experienced as well as its location and the extent of damage it has caused.
Treatment involves clot busters, such as tPA that must be given within hours of the onset of symptoms. Surgical intervention is an option for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
After Care:
Every patient is different and so are recovery times after a stroke has occurred. A timeline can range from a few days to over a year to recover full function. In some cases, the use of physical, occupational and speech therapy may be needed.
Medications:
Anticoagulants - This medication prevents clots from forming in those patients with A-fib. These patients are more prone to clots as they experience continuous contractions of the atria of the heart. Antiplatelets - Another medication which prevents clots from forming by ensuring platelets cannot form together in a cluster - Thrombolytics -This medication breaks up or loosens clots, hence the name "clot buster" which is then carried away by phagocytic cells.
If you have other diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is very important to monitor and manage them properly. Proper care will help ensure that the risk of a stroke is lessened and a quality, productive life prevails.
Implementing regular exercise three days a week will assist in managing or preventing high blood pressure which is the number one cause of stroke and 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 Stroke Causes and other information about Early Warning Signs of Stroke.
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