STROKE

 

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries that lead to the brain and the inside. It is the 5th leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked and ruptured (or broken). The three main types of strokes are; ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, a transient ischemic attack (warning or “small side”). There are two main causes of stroke: ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke. Some people may have a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischemic stroke (TIA), which does not cause permanent symptoms. Sudden confusion, bad speech, or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden vision problem with one or both eyes. Sudden walking disorder, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of communication. Stroke is usually detected by doing physical exercises and reading brain scans produced during the scan. Blood tests to find out your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, check your heart rate to detect an abnormal heartbeat, and take a blood pressure measurement. What is a silent stroke? A silent stroke refers to a stroke that does not cause any significant symptoms. Most strokes are caused by a clot that blocks the blood vessels in the brain. Closure prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the area, causing nearby brain cells to die. Can drinking water help prevent a stroke? Drinking enough water regularly prevents dehydration. This may contribute to keeping the blood clean, thus preventing stroke. How does a stroke feel in your head? For example, some people may experience headaches because of a severe headache. Some may not hear any physical sensations but may find it difficult to talk, which can lead to feelings of shock and confusion. To understand how a stroke can affect different people, let's look at some survivors' stories. What is the wet stroke? Hemorrhagic or "wet" strokes occur when there is bleeding inside the brain. “Most of the time this is because of weakened blood vessels. The arteries rupture and patients bleed inside the brain. Does aspirin prevent a stroke? For people who have had a stroke: Aspirin can help prevent a second stroke or temporary ischemic stroke (TIA), which is often a warning sign of a stroke. For people who have never had a heart attack or stroke: Talk to your doctor before you start taking aspirin daily. What foods help prevent strokes? Foods high in potassium, such as sweet potatoes and white beans, bananas, tomatoes, prunes, watermelons, and soybeans, can help keep your blood pressure healthy - a major risk factor for stroke. Magnesium-rich foods, such as spinach, are also associated with a lower risk of stroke. Stroke symptoms; Loss of blood flow to the brain damages the tissues within the brain. Symptoms of stroke appear on parts of the body that are controlled by damaged brain areas. The sooner a person with a stroke receives care, the better the outcome. For this reason, it is helpful to know the symptoms of a stroke so that you can take immediate action. Symptoms of a stroke may include: disability, numbness or weakness in the arm, face, and leg, especially on one side of the body, the problem of speaking or understanding others, confusion, or lack of reaction, rapid behavioral changes, especially increased anxiety, vision problems, such as vision problems in one or both eyes with a blurred or dim vision, or double vision, and mobility problems, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, a headache, sudden with an unknown cause, fainting, nausea or vomiting. If you think you or someone else has a stroke, call your local emergency room immediately. Prompt treatment is key to preventing the following effects: brain injury, long-term disability, and death. It is best to be extremely careful when you have a stroke, so do not be afraid to seek emergency medical help if you think you are experiencing symptoms of a stroke.

How to prevent a stroke? Lifestyle changes cannot prevent all strokes. But many of these changes can make a big difference when it comes to reducing the risk of stroke. These changes include the following: Stop smoking; if you smoke, quitting now will reduce your risk of stroke. You can reach out to your doctor to make a plan to stop. Reduce alcohol consumption; excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of stroke. If lowering your dose is difficult, reach out to your doctor for help. Maintain a moderate weight; obesity and overweight increase the risk of stroke. To help control your weight, eat a balanced diet and exercise more often than not. Both of these measures can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Get regular check-ups; talk to your doctor about how often you can be tested for blood pressure, cholesterol, and any other conditions you may have. They can also support you in making these lifestyle changes and provide guidance. Taking all these steps will help you to be in a better position to prevent a stroke. A stroke diagnosis; your doctor may request various tests to help you determine if you have a stroke or not. These tests include Blood test; your doctor may perform a blood test for several blood tests. A blood test can determine: blood sugar levels, even if you are infected, platelet statistics, how fast your blood clots, cholesterol levels. MRI and CT scan; your doctor may order an MRI scan, CT scan, or both. An MRI can help detect any damage to the brain tissue or brain cells. A CT scan can give you a detailed and clear picture of your brain, which can show any bleeding or injury. It may also indicate other brain conditions that may be causing your symptoms.  EKG; An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a simple test that records the electrical activity of the heart, measures its rhythm, and records how fast it beats. EKG can determine if you have heart conditions that could lead to a stroke, such as a previous heart attack or atrial fibrillation. Cerebral angiogram; An angiogram of the brain provides a detailed look at the muscles in your neck and brain. Tests may show closures or clots that may cause symptoms. Carotid ultrasound; carotid ultrasound, also called carotid duplex scan, can detect fatty deposits (plaque) in your carotid arteries, which supply blood to your face, neck, and brain. It may also indicate whether your carotid arteries are narrowed or blocked. Echocardiogram; an echocardiogram can detect the sources of clots in your heart. These particles may travel to your brain and cause a stroke.

SAMINA ZAHEER (HEALTH TIPS, HEALTH CARE, HEALTHY)