What Is a Stroke?

Stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is restricted or interrupted. This can be caused by a clot, blockage or rupture of an artery. When this happens, the brain does not get enough oxygen and nutrients, and brain cells begin to die.

Types of Strokes

There are two main types of stroke:

Ischemic stroke:This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery that supplies blood to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke and accounts for about 87% of all cases.

Hemorrhagic stroke:This type of stroke occurs when an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures. This type of stroke is more dangerous than an ischemic stroke and can be caused by high blood pressure, aneurysms or other conditions.

Causes of strokes

1. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease.

2. Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

3. High Cholesterol: High cholesterol levels increase the risk of stroke, especially if combined with other risk factors such as high blood pressure.

4. Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of stroke, especially if not well managed.

5. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): AFib is an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke, especially if combined with other risk factors.

6. Carotid Artery Disease: Carotid artery disease is a narrowing of the carotid artery that can lead to stroke.

7. Family History: Stroke is more likely to occur if you have a family history of stroke or other cardiovascular diseases.

8. Age: The risk of stroke increases with age, with people over the age of 55 having a higher risk of stroke than younger individuals.

9. Gender: Men have a higher risk of stroke than women.

10. Race: African Americans have a higher risk of stroke than other races.

11. Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of stroke.

Signs and Symptoms

• Sudden numbness or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Treatments  for stroke

1. Physical Activity: Physical activity is essential to recovery from stroke. Regular exercise is important to help improve mobility, balance, and flexibility. Examples of physical activity include walking, swimming, yoga, stretching, and Tai Chi.

2. Diet: Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat can help reduce the risk of stroke. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce inflammation and provide important nutrients.

3. Cognitive Rehabilitation: Cognitive rehabilitation is an important part of stroke recovery. It involves activities and exercises to help improve thinking, problem-solving, and memory.

4. Speech and Language Therapy: Speech and language therapy can help stroke survivors to regain the ability to communicate. It can help with the production of speech sounds, understanding of language, and understanding of gestures.

5. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy can help stroke survivors regain independence and improve their quality of life. It focuses on activities that help with everyday living and can include learning how to use adaptive equipment.

6. Medication: Medication can help to reduce the risk of stroke and can also help with symptoms. Medication can include blood thinners and anti-clotting agents to help prevent a stroke and medications to treat high blood pressure and cholesterol.