Brain stroke is a severe medical condition and, if not treated on time, can cause disability or turn fatal. In most cases, a brain stroke strikes a person unexpectedly and to avert complications from arising; immediate medical attention needs to be given to the patient. Brain stroke occurs when a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel prevents the smooth supply of blood to the brain. Since blood carrying oxygen cannot reach the brain cells, they begin to die. So, it is vital to be aware of the symptoms and other conditions associated with brain stroke to help the patient get the much-needed medical attention on time.
Signs and symptoms of brain stroke
When a person has a brain stroke, their face will droop. They may also find it challenging to speak properly. Since the speech will be slurred, others will not comprehend what the person is saying. Brain stroke victims may also be unable to lift arms because of numbness. The patient will usually feel numb in one part of the body, and besides the arm, the leg and that side of the face will also be affected. These are the most obvious signs, but other indications of brain stroke also need to be seriously considered. These include difficulty in walking, problems in visions, dizziness, communication problems, loss of balance, and severe headache, to name a few.
There are chances that the person may experience one or more of these symptoms. In case you come across these warning signs, do not delay. Instead, immediately contact a doctor or hospital. Delay or negligence can lead to disability or death.
Causes of stroke
The three main categories of stroke include ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack. These three categories require different treatments.
Ischemic stroke: Ischemic stroke occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the brain get blocked due to clots or become narrow. This prevents the smooth flow of blood to the brain resulting in damage to the brain cells.
Hemorrhagic stroke: Leaking or bursting of arteries can lead to Hemorrhagic stroke. When the arteries leak or burst, the blood spills and pressure the brain. This can have an adverse effect and lead to brain stroke.
Transient ischemic attack: A transient ischemic attack has much in common with an ischemic stroke because it also occurs due to a clot. But a TIA is temporary, and the flow of blood to the brain is interrupted for just a few minutes. But a TIA should be taken seriously. Proper treatment will prevent any severe brain stroke from occurring in the future.
Treatment of brain stroke
Brain stroke treatment is based on the type of brain stroke that impacts the person. But whether it is ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic attack, the person should be given medical treatment as soon as possible, usually within two or three hours of the appearance of the first symptom. The doctor may conduct a physical exam wherein the pulses, blood pressure, vision, muscle strength etc., will be checked. To analyse the severity of the stroke, the doctor may also listen to your heart or the carotid arteries.
The doctor will determine the extent of blood clots or bleeding by conducting blood tests. Other diagnostic tests conducted by doctors to ascertain the problem include CT scan, MRI scan, carotid ultrasound, cerebral angiogram, and echocardiogram. All these tests are conducted by experienced medical professionals in a hospital environment.
Prevention
A brain stroke can occur due to an unhealthy lifestyle, diet, habits, and medical conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes. Ensure that your diet is balanced. Avoid excessive use of salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol.
Inactive people are more prone to brain stroke. Therefore, ensure that you exercise every day and lead an active life.
Avoid alcohol. If you find it difficult to give up alcohol altogether, take moderate amounts of the substance. Avoid smoking and lessen dependence on tea etc., because these contain nicotine which harms health.
Obese people are more at risk of brain stroke. So, try to maintain your health through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Continuously monitor your blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and other such medical conditions. These conditions can cause brain stroke.
Rehabilitation
A brain stroke can significantly impact a person’s health. So, rehabilitation of the patient becomes necessary. Your doctor or healthcare providers will provide speech therapy, cognitive therapy, physical therapy, relearning sensory skills, and counselling. The rehabilitation may occur in a hospital and for a certain period. But it will help the patient recover quickly and enable them to lead an everyday life.
Brain stroke is a serious medical issue, and it is crucial to get the condition diagnosed and treated before it becomes life-threatening.