What is a stroke? A stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the brain or a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. In some cases, stroke causes the death of cells deprived of oxygen or damages them. Indeed, brain cells require a constant supply of oxygen and glucose, an interruption of blood flow for just a few minutes can cause irreversible damage.
Some people will recover completely while others will have more or less significant after-effects, depending on the part of the brain affected and the time required for medical intervention.
Types Of Stroke
There are different types of stroke, but they must all be taken seriously and require, in all cases, rapid intervention.
Various types of stroke include:
Ischemic stroke
When a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, part of the brain then no longer receives blood flow. This type of stroke is known as ischemic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke
When blood vessels in the brain burst open, this causes blood to leak into the brain tissue. These ruptures occur when the arteries become weakened over the years, this may also occur as a result of high blood pressure.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
When a small clot temporarily blocks an artery. The symptoms experienced last less than an hour and sometimes only a few minutes. Also called a mini-stroke, is indeed a temporary condition, but it is a serious warning. This may be a sign of a possible stroke.
What Are The Warning Signs Of A Stroke?
Stroke has no particularity, there is no particular type of warning that can directly be linked to stroke. Its warning signs are completely absent.
However, some previously known underlying medical conditions could be easily linked to possible stroke, like people who have suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), those who have a heart disorder (abnormality, heart failure or sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia (high rate cholesterol)
The symptoms of stroke are numerous, here are the ones to watch out for:
How To Prevent Stroke
It is possible to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and ruptured aneurysms by adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as:
Giving up smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, and regular physical exercise.
However, there are risk factors that cannot be controlled or modified. It’s the case for age ( risk increases from age 55).
Gender (men are more likely to have a stroke, but women who have strokes are more likely to die).
Family history, and ethnicity (Individuals of African, South Asian, and Indigenous descent are more likely to have diabetes and high blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke.)
Risk factors linked to health problems, health problems can increase the risk of stroke, health Problems such as:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol levels
- Atrial fibrillation
- A cognitive deficit of vascular origin.
To reduce the associated risks, you must follow your doctor’s recommendations to control these diseases or health problems.
Women And stroke
You should also know that stroke affects women more at certain times in their lives, including during pregnancy, during menopause, and after menopause. More women than men die from a stroke, the after-effects are often more serious in women, and the challenges that ensure are greater.
What To Do After A Stroke?
After surviving a stroke, patients should first remain vigilant for signs of another stroke that may occur. As soon as possible, patients should also begin different therapies, depending on their needs: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.
The brain demonstrates certain plasticity and has the ability to recover, particularly during the first month after a stroke.
Another important thing: implementing adaptation strategies in patients, in order to minimize the risk of falls or accidents.
Related Topic: The Connection Between Hypertension, Heart Disease, and Stroke
Conclusion
One thing is certain, pay attention to the slightest symptoms of stroke and do not hesitate to consult a professional. Stroke sometimes may not present any vivid sign, as a result of hidden underlying medical conditions, hence, regular medical check-up is advised. After all, your life is at stake.
