When the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in a stroke. A stroke is a medical emergency that needs to be treated. Brain damage and other complications can be avoided if action is taken early.

Symptoms Of Stroke

Stroke Emergency And Everything Else You Should Know About It — Symptoms Of Stroke

The loss of blood flow to the brain causes tissue damage. The body parts controlled by the damaged areas of the brain show symptoms of a stroke.

The sooner a person suffering from a stroke receives treatment, the better their chances of recovering. As a result, knowing the symptoms of a stroke can help you act quickly. Symptoms of a stroke include:

One side of the body, particularly the face, arm, or leg, is numb or weak.
Confusion, difficulty speaking, or difficulty understanding speech may occur suddenly.
A sudden loss of vision
The symptoms of sudden difficulty walking include dizziness, loss of balance, and a lack of coordination.
Sudden severe headache for unknown reasons.

Stroke Patients Must Act F.A.S.T.

Acting F.A.S.T. can assist stroke patients in receiving the treatment they require. The most effective stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within three hours of the onset of symptoms. If patients do not arrive at the hospital promptly, they may be ineligible for these services.

F—Face: Request that the person smile. Is there a droop on one side of your face?

A-Arms: Instruct the individual to raise both arms. Is one of your arms drooping?

S—Speech: Have the other person repeat a simple phrase to you. Is your speech slurred or odd?

T—Time: If you see any of these warning signs, dial 9-1-1 immediately.

Types of Stroke

Your treatment and recovery are influenced by the type of stroke you have. The following are the three main types of stroke:

Ischemic stroke.
Hemorrhagic stroke.
Transient ischemic attack

1. Ischemic Stroke

The majority of strokes are caused by ischemic heart disease (87 percent). When blood flow through the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain is blocked, an ischemic stroke occurs. Ischemic strokes are frequently caused by blockages caused by blood clots.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures (breaks open). The leaking blood puts too much pressure on the brain cells, causing them to break down. A hemorrhagic stroke can be caused by high blood pressure and aneurysms, which are balloon-like bulges in an artery that can stretch and burst.

Hemorrhagic strokes are divided into two categories:

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the common type of hemorrhagic stroke. When a blood vessel in the brain bursts, the surrounding tissue is flooded.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of hemorrhagic stroke that is less common. It's a term for bleeding between the brain and the brain's thin tissues.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A "mini-stroke" is also referred to as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It differs from other types of stroke in that blood flow to the brain is interrupted for only a short period—usually less than 5 minutes. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a precursor to a stroke.

Stroke-related Risk Factors

Diet

A diet high in salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol increases your risk of stroke.
trans-fatty acids
cholesterol
Inactivity
Stroke risk is also increased by inactivity or a lack of exercise.

Consumption of alcohol

If you drink too much alcohol, you increase your chances of having a stroke. Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation. For women, this means no more than one drink per day, and for men, no more than two.

Tobacco consumption

Tobacco use, in any form, increases your risk of stroke by damaging your blood vessels and heart. This is exacerbated when you smoke because nicotine causes your blood pressure to rise.

Background information

Certain personal risk factors for stroke are beyond your control. Your risk of having a stroke is linked to:

History of the family:

Because of genetic health issues such as high blood pressure, stroke risk is higher in some families.

Sex:

While both men and women can have strokes, according to the CDCTrusted Source, strokes are more common in women in all age groups.

Age:

You're more likely to have a stroke as you get older.

Ethnicity and race:

African-Americans, Alaska Natives, and American Indians are more at risk to have of stroke than Caucasians, Asian Americans, and Hispanics.

Prevention of Stroke

By leading a healthy lifestyle, you can help to prevent stroke. The following measures are :

Stop smoking:

If you smoke, quitting now will reduce your stroke risk.

Alcohol:

Alcohol should be consumed in moderation. If you drink too much, try to cut back on your consumption. Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure.

Maintain a healthy weight:

Maintain healthy body weight. Obesity or overweight increases the risk of a stroke. To assist you in losing weight:

Have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Consume cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, and saturated-fat-free foods.

Continue to be physically active. This will help you keep a healthy weight while also lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol.

Stroke Emergency And Everything Else You Should Know About It