Stroke
Stroke
Stroke
is a dangerous disease that affects the arteries leading to the brain. A stroke
occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is
blocked or ruptured by a blood clot. When this happens, a part of the brain
doesn't get the blood and oxygen it needs, so the brain cells die.
Brain is the most important organ of the body, it controls
various functions of the body. A stroke affects a particular part of the body
when it is not supplied with blood. Blood and oxygen are needed for the brain
to function properly. If the blood supply is cut off even for a short time, it
can cause great damage to the body. Brain cells begin to die after a few
moments without blood and oxygen. A stroke is a medical emergency. And it is
extremely important to treat it promptly. The sooner a stroke is treated, the
less damage is likely to occur. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and
the leading cause of disability. There are several types of stroke which are
given below.
Types of stroke
A stroke caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain
is called an ‘ischemic stroke’.
A stroke caused by the rupture of a blood vessel and blockage of
blood flow to the brain is called a "hemorrhagic stroke."
* One type of stroke is "TIA". Transient Ischemic
Attack or it can also be called 'mini stroke'.
Symptoms of stroke
Stroke is an emergency. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke and
getting help right away is imperative. Symptoms of a stroke can appear
suddenly. Symptoms vary from person to person. These symptoms include:
Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, usually on one
side of the body.
Difficulty speaking or understanding.
Vision problems, such as dimming or loss of vision in one or
both eyes.
Dizziness or inability to maintain balance and coordination
Difficulty walking or feeling of heaviness in the legs.
Not being conscious.
Severe headache with no known cause, especially if it comes on
suddenly.
Risk of stroke
A stroke can happen to anyone at any age. But there are certain
risk factors that increase the chance of having a stroke. If these risk factors
are managed or modified, the risk can be reduced. Risk factors for stroke that
can be modified, treated, or medically managed include:
High blood pressure: Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can
damage the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Heart disease: Heart disease is the second most important risk
factor for stroke, and the leading cause of death among stroke survivors. Many
of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke are the same.
Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of stroke.
Smoking: Smoking nearly doubles your risk of ischemic stroke.
Contraception: Use of birth control pills can also cause
paralysis.
TIA: A transient ischemic attack is often called a mini-stroke.
Their symptoms are similar to paralysis, but these symptoms do not last long.
If you have had one or more TIAs, you are about 10 times more likely to have a
stroke than someone of the same age and gender that has not had a TIA.
High red blood cell count: A significant increase in red blood
cell count thickens the blood and makes it more likely to clot. This increases
the risk of stroke.
Irregular heartbeat:
Risk factors for stroke that cannot be changed include:
Older age: For every decade of life after age 55, your chance of
having a stroke more than doubles.
Gender: Stroke is more common in men, but more women die from
stroke than men.
Risk of second stroke after first stroke: The risk of second
stroke is higher after the first stroke.
Heredity or genetics: People with a family history of stroke are
more likely to have a stroke.
Diagnosis of stroke
The doctor will take a complete medical history of the patient
followed by a physical examination. A stroke requires tests such as brain
imaging and blood flow measurements in the brain.
*A CT scan of the brain is an imaging test used to take clear,
detailed pictures of the brain. CT scan of the brain shows damage to brain
cells caused by bleeding or stroke. It is used to look for abnormalities and to
help find the location or type of stroke.
*MRI This test uses a combination of large magnets, radio
frequencies, and a computer to create detailed pictures of organs and
structures in the body. An MRI uses magnetic fields to look for small changes
in brain tissue that help detect and diagnose strokes.
*CTA Computed tomography angiography is an X-ray image of the
blood vessels. A CT angiogram uses CT technology to obtain images of the blood
vessels.
*MRA magnetic resonance angiography, this test uses MRI
technology to check blood flow through the arteries.
In addition to these, the following heart tests may be done to
help diagnose heart problems that may lead to stroke.
*Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records the electrical
activity of the heart. It shows any irregular heart rhythm that can cause a
stroke.
*Echocardiography. This test uses sound waves to create an image
of the heart. This test shows the size and shape of the heart. It can check
whether the heart valves are working properly. This test can also be used to
determine if there is a blood clot inside the heart or not.
Treatment of stroke
*Treatment is most effective in stroke. Anticoagulant drugs
(thrombolytic or fibrinolytic) are used for emergency treatment after a stroke.
These drugs dissolve blood clots that cause ischemic strokes. These can help
reduce the damage to brain cells caused by a stroke. To be most effective, they
should be given within 3 hours of the stroke.
*Medicines and therapy to reduce or control brain swelling.
Special types of IV (intravenous) fluids are often used to help reduce or
control brain swelling. These are especially used after hemorrhagic stroke.
*Neuro protective drugs. These drugs help protect the brain from
damage and lack of oxygen (ischemia).
*Life support measures. Treatment includes using a machine to
help the stroke patient breathe (ventilator), IV fluids, getting adequate
nutrition, and controlling blood pressure.
*A craniotomy is a type of brain surgery that is performed to
remove a blood clot, relieve pressure, or repair bleeding in the brain.
Complications of having a stroke
Recovery from a stroke and the specific capacity affected depend
on the size and location of the stroke.
A small stroke can cause problems such as weakness in the
patient's arm or leg.
Major strokes render parts of the patient unable to move, i.e.
permanently paralyzed. Larger strokes can cause loss of speech or even death.
Steps to prevent stroke
Some daily lifestyle changes can protect us from stroke.
A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of stroke. Which
are includes the following.
*Avoidance of smoking
*Choose healthy foods: Be sure to get the recommended amount of
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose foods that are low in saturated
fat, cholesterol, salt, and sugar.
*Stay at a healthy weight.
* Stay physically active. Include regular exercise in your
routine.
Recovering from a stroke or living with a stroke
People who survive a stroke are often left with long-term
problems from the injury to their brain.
How a stroke affects you depends on where the stroke occurred in
your brain. It also depends on how much brain damage you have.
Many people who have a stroke are left with paralysis of one
arm.
Some people need a long period of rehabilitation before
regaining their former independence, while many people never fully recover and
need ongoing support after a stroke. There may be permanent difficulty in
thinking, speaking, seeing and walking.
Some people may need long-term physical rehabilitation. They
cannot live in their own home without help.
After a stroke, the patient needs a lot of care physically and mentally. A lot of patience has to be shown with them.
Nabila Ameer
*****
Comments
Post a Comment