A stroke, also known as a brain attack, happens when a brain blood vessel bursts or when something stops the flow of blood to a certain area of the brain. Either way, certain brain regions suffer harm or even die. A stroke can result in permanent impairment, death, or irreversible brain damage.
TYPES OF STROKE
A transient ischemic attack (TIA): This differs from the primary types of stroke in that the blood supply to the brain is interrupted for a brief period. A transient episode of ischemic stroke (TIA) is a brief period of stroke-like symptoms. However, a TIA doesn’t result in long-term harm. A transient reduction in the blood flow to a portion of the brain is the cause of TIA. The decline might end after just five minutes. A ministroke is another name for a transient ischemic attack. An ischemic stroke (TIA) happens when a fatty deposit or blood clot restricts or stops blood flow to a portion of the neurological system. Even if you believe you may have had a TIA, get emergency attention. Based solely on symptoms, it is impossible to diagnose a stroke or transient ischemic attack. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is indicative of a partially blocked or restricted cerebral artery. Having a TIA increases your risk of having a stroke later.
There are two types of stroke:
Ischemic stroke
A majority of strokes are caused by ischemia. When blood clots or other foreign objects obstruct the blood vessels leading to the brain, an ischemic stroke happens. Blockages in blood vessels can also result from plaque, which is fatty deposits that accumulate there.
A brain bleed or ruptured blood vessel might result in hemorrhagic stroke. Brain hemorrhages, or internal bleeding in the brain, can be caused by a variety of blood vessel-related illnesses. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke. Overuse of blood thinners, sometimes referred to as anticoagulants, bulges at aneurysm-prone areas in the blood vessel walls head injuries sustained in an automobile collision, and Protein buildup in blood vessel walls causes the wall to become weaker. This condition, which causes an ischemic stroke and brain hemorrhage, is referred to as cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
When a cerebral artery bursts or bleeds blood, it can cause a hemorrhagic stroke. The blood leak destroys brain cells by applying excessive pressure to them. Hemorrhagic strokes can be brought on by high blood pressure and aneurysms, which are balloon-like bulges in an artery that can stretch and explode.
SYMPTOMS OF STROKE
If you think that you or someone you know could be having a stroke, note when the symptoms started. Certain medications work best when administered shortly after the onset of a stroke.
A stroke’s symptoms include:
- Headache: An abrupt, excruciating headache could be a sign of a stroke. Along with the headache, nausea, vertigo, and unconsciousness are possible side effects.
- Difficult to move: A stroke victim may falter or experience balance or coordination issues.
- Difficulty comprehending and conversing with people: A stroke victim may exhibit confusion, slur words, or lose their ability to comprehend spoken words.
- Face, arm, or leg numbness, weakness, or paralysis: Usually, this just affects one side of the body. One may attempt to lift both arms above the head. A stroke may be indicated if one arm starts to droop. When attempting to grin, one side of the mouth may also droop.
- Issues with one or both eyes’ vision: One or both of the person’s eyes may suddenly become blacked out or blurry. Or they might see two things.
PREVENTION OF STROKE
It is possible to take action to stop a stroke. It’s critical to understand your risk factors for stroke and to heed your healthcare provider’s recommendations for healthy living. Following a stroke, following precautions may help you avoid having another one. These actions can help reduce your risk of stroke if you have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The treatment you receive both during and after your stay in the hospital could also be important. Heart disease and stroke prevention tactics are similar in many ways. Generally speaking, suggestions for a healthy lifestyle consist of:
- Get enough sleep: Stress poses a risk to your health. To keep yourself refreshed, schedule time for rest. You become healthier the more sleep you get.
- Control hypertension, or elevated blood pressure: One of the most crucial things you can do to lower your risk of stroke is this. Lowering your blood pressure after a stroke can help you avoid having another one in the future. Medications and healthy lifestyle modifications are frequently used to manage high blood pressure.
- Reduce the quantity of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet: Reducing the consumption of fat and cholesterol, particularly trans and saturated fats, may help to prevent artery accumulation. You might require a cholesterol-lowering medication if diet adjustments are insufficient to reduce your cholesterol.
- Control your diabetes: Maintaining a healthy blood sugar range can be achieved by diet, exercise, and weight loss. You can be offered diabetes medication if blood sugar control isn’t achieved by lifestyle changes alone.
- Sustain a healthy weight: Other stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are all exacerbated by being overweight.
- Consume an abundant diet of fruits and vegetables: Stroke risk may be lowered by consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on whole grains, fruit, nuts, and vegetables, as well as olive oil, may be beneficial.
- Regular exercise: It lowers the risk of stroke in several ways. Exercise can improve the general health of the heart and blood arteries, reduce blood pressure, and raise healthy cholesterol levels. It also aids in stress reduction, diabetic control, and weight loss. On most or all days of the week, gradually increase your physical activity level to at least 30 minutes. Exercises of a moderate intensity include swimming, cycling, jogging, and walking.
- Give up smoking: Both smokers and non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of stroke. Retiring reduces the chance of stroke.
- If you use alcohol at all, do it in moderation: Excessive alcohol consumption raises the risk of hypertension, ischemic strokes, and hemorrhagic strokes. Additionally, alcohol and any medications you take may interfere. On the other hand, consuming modest to moderate amounts of alcohol may assist in lowering the blood’s propensity to clot and avoid ischemic stroke. About one drink per day qualifies as a small to moderate amount. Consult your healthcare provider about what is suitable for you.
Conclusion: Efficient management of a condition that raises the risk of stroke is significant. For instance, taking medication as directed to reduce high blood pressure or cholesterol, rest, eating well, quitting smoking, etc. These precautions are especially crucial if you have previously experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) as your risk of future stroke is significantly elevated.