Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care. A stroke can cause neurological damage, complications and lead to death. If the proper measures are taken strokes can be treated effectively.

Strokes can be classified into two major categories; ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke is when blood supply to part of the brain is decreased. Hemorrhagic is the accumulation of blood anywhere in the skull vault. Causes of stroke are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking.

Signs and symptoms of stroke are more often than not come on suddenly and in most cases do not progress further. The more extensive of the brain affected the more functions that are likely to be lost. Some of the symptoms include; loss of consciousness, headache, and vomiting. Stroke can be diagnosed through several techniques such as CT scans, MRI scans, Doppler ultrasound, and arteriography. A physical examination will help to give an evaluation of the location and the severity of the stroke.

Some of the risk factors of stroke are high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and obesity. Treatment for a stroke includes rehabilitation, (rehabilitation includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and education), physical therapy, life style changes, and medications. Prevention of stroke is to reduce the risk factors fore mentioned and aspirin is also administered in some cases. A clot buster medication called TPA can be used if caught early to dissolve the blood clot that is causing the stroke.

If you have or think you have any of the symptoms of stroke it is very imperative that you seek immediate medical attention. The quicker you get help the better chance you have at minimizing brain damage and potential complications that arise from the blood depriving the brain tissues of oxygen and food. Strokes can be treated and prevented and fewer Americans now die from stroke now than they did years ago. Taking control of the risk factors and reducing them are more than likely the reason for this decline of deaths related to strokes. Education is a key point in reducing, preventing, and controlling conditions and risk factors in stroke.