Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and the first leading cause of adult disability. Many people don鈥檛 know that eighty percent of strokes are preventable. This is partly because they don鈥檛 know what the disparity really is or signs to recognize it. There are vital things to know about a stroke, which may mean life or death. Everyone must learn what exactly it is, how it affects the body, risk factors and causes, symptoms, different types of the complication, prevention, and treatment.
A stroke, also known as a 鈥渂rain attack,鈥?occurs when an artery, which is a blood vessel that carries blood to the heart, is blocked by a blood clot. A break in blood vessels, which are tubes that move blood through the body, may cause a stroke as well because a sufficient amount of blood is not being supplied to the brain. This is why strokes are known as a type of cardiovascular disease, there is a disorder in the vessels ability to deliver blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the brain. When the brain doesn鈥檛 get the blood it needs, it starts to die. As brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory.
How a stroke patient is affected depends on the intensity of the stroke, the part of the brain that was affected, and how bad that area was damaged. These things vary with each of the different types of stroke. There is blood clotting that is normal, and beneficial. When you are bleeding from a wound, blood clots work to slow and eventually stop the bleeding. In the case of stroke, blood clots are dangerous because they can block arteries and cut off blood flow. This is called an ischemic stroke and it can occur in two ways: embolic and thrombotic strokes.
In an embolic stroke, a blood clot forms somewhere in the body and travels through the bloodstream to your brain. Once it is there, the clot eventually travels to a blood vessel small enough to block its passage. The clot lodges there, blocking the blood vessel and causing a stroke.
In a thrombotic stroke, blood flow is impaired because of a blockage to one or more of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. The process leading to the blockage is known as thrombosis and can happen in two ways. Blood-clot strokes can also happen as a result of unhealthy blood vessels clogged with a build up of fatty deposits and cholesterol. The body responds to this as if it were a bleeding wound and forms clots around it.
Another type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke. It is caused by the breakage or 鈥渂lowout鈥?of a blood vessel in the brain. It can be caused by a number of disorders, which affect the blood vessels, including long-standing high blood pressure and cerebral aneurysms, which is a weak spot on a blood vessels wall. There are two types of a hemorrhagic stroke. Intrecerbrel hemorrhage is where bleeding occurs from vessels inside the brain, mainly caused by high blood pressure. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is when an aneurism bursts in a large artery on or near the thin, delicate membrane surrounding the brain.
The risk factors of stroke are wide. Anyone can have a stroke. A person鈥檚 chance of having a stroke increases as they meet certain criteria. The risk factors are: if you are male, over the age of fifty-five, African American, Hispanic or Pacific islander, or you have family history of stroke you are at risk.
If you can catch the signs of a stroke early, there is a chance of little damage to the brain and a quick recovery. Some common symptoms of stroke are sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, and sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Women often report that they feel sudden pain in the face and limbs, sudden hiccups, and nausea.
As stated, eighty percent of strokes are preventable. Some guidelines to follow to ensure that a stroke is not in your future are: know your blood pressure, stop smoking, drink in moderation, find out if you have family history of strokes, eat foods with lower sodium and fats. One of the biggest things is to know the symptoms of stroke. If you feel any of the symptoms, call 911 immediately before too much damage is done to your brain by the lack of blood. It is also believed that Aspirin can reduce your chances of a stroke. Aspirin is a blood thinner, and if taken blood may thin enough to get around a clot or blockage. The obstruction may even be diminished.
After a stroke, rehabilitation is the most important part of recovery and treatment of a stroke. Through rehabilitation, you relearn or regain basic skills such as speaking, eating, dressing, and walking. The program helps you regain your independence after suffering handicaps due to the stroke. Rehabilitation starts as soon as possible after the complications in the hospital. In patients who are stable, rehabilitation starts in as little as two days.
After learning about stroke living a healthy lifestyle, knowing your family history, knowing the symptoms, and acting fast in the case of a stroke, can save your life. These things help to ensure little to no permanent damage and a quick recovery. a lot a good info here, you did your research!...in your second paragraph though, you incorrectly state that arteries carry blood to the heart...arteries in general carry blood away from the heart...how about the wording "...occurs when an artery that carries blood to the brain...."
and when talking about aspirin, maybe say something about asking your doctor about taking aspirin to reduce your chances...you don't want to encourage anyone to begin aspirin therapy without their doctor's advice...
and your final sentance about ensure little to no perm damage...since despite doing and knowing all the right things, some strokes still may lead to severe perm disabilties or death, maybe change your wording to these things help to minimize life altering disabilites...the recovery is seldom quick, and many times does not lead to a full recovery, but a highly functional recovery.... |
