Stroke
Stroke is Dangerous!
A stroke happens when an artery carrying blood to the brain
becomes clogged or bursts and disrupting blood supply. Our
brain, when deprived of oxygen, starts to die. The majority
of strokes result from clogging of arteries; artery bursts
account for less than 20% of strokes.
Nevertheless, irrespective of the cause strokes can be quite
a serious problem in the US. A stroke is reported every 45
seconds, and a death by stroke every three minutes. Interestingly,
women are weaker to strokes than men. Statistics indicate
that of every five stroke victims, two are men and three women.
A stroke which damages the right brain can cause paralysis
in the left side of the body, besides, it can also affect
vision or lead to memory loss. However, when the stroke damages
the left part of the brain, the results are different than
a stroke in the right brain. The victim's right body can also
be paralyzed. Also, the victim might suffer speech problems
or memory loss.
Strokes can cause severe emotional stress. Several stroke
victims find that they are not able to control their emotions
anymore. They also suffer uncomfortable sensation or pain
in extremities like toes and fingers.
Some of the common symptoms of stroke are include sudden
numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on
one side of the body; sudden problems in speaking; sudden
blurring of vision in one or both eyes, have problem walking,
dizziness or loss of balance. Anyone who experiences these
symptoms must seek immediate medical attention.
There are two types of strokes, which are ischemic strokes
which result from the clogging of arteries and hemorrhagic
strokes which are caused by the bursting of arteries in the
brain. The hemorrhagic stroke requires surgical involvement
because the blood flows out of the ruptured artery and starts
exercising pressure on the brain. The ischemic stroke can
be treated by removing or dissolving clots.
The patient has to be especially careful of minor attacks
of stroke as they are known as Transient Ischemic Attacks
or TIA. They are similar to warning signals, and result from
temporary clotting in the arteries. Fortunately, they will
not cause serious damage but give the patient enough reason
to be more careful.
There are three types of tests conducted to check the condition
of the brain, including imaging tests which produce a picture
of the brain; electrical tests which keep track the electrical
impulses of the brain; and blood flow tests that show changes
in blood flow to the brain. All these tests are usually painless,
and very useful in making a diagnosis.
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