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Introduction

Stroke is a condition where a blood vessel supplying the brain ruptures or gets blocked thereby preventing blood and oxygen from reaching the brain.

Symptoms of a stroke

When blood flow to the brain is lost, the brain tissue and cells gets damaged and start to die. The symptoms show up in the part of the body being supplied by the by side of the brain that was damaged. If the part of the brain controlling speech is affected, the individual will have problems with speech.

The symptoms include:

• Paralysis of one side of the body or both sides, depending on the extent of the stroke.

• Balance and coordination problems

• Slurring of speech

• Difficulty walking

• Weakness on side of the body, arms and legs

• Trouble with vision

• Confused state

• Difficulty in speaking or understanding

Types of stroke

Ischemic stroke

In this type, an artery supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or a plaque. The effects of this stroke stays longer than that of a Transient ischemic attack.

Transient Ischemic attack(TIA)

Here, an artery is blocked by a clot, but the clot dissolves on it's own. It mostly happens within 24 hours.

Hemorrhagic stroke

This type of stroke happens when an artery bursts and blood flows out.

Causes of stroke

The cause depends on the type.

For ischemic stroke, it is caused by a blockage of an artery supplying the brain. The blockage could be by a thrombus. A thrombus is a clot that is formed in an artery.
Blockage could also be by an embolus. An embolus is a thrombus formed in other parts of the body that traveled in the bloodstream to block arteries

For Transient ischemic attack(TIA), it is caused by the a clot which blocks an artery temporarily. The clot eventually dissolves. It could be referred to as a ministroke. It is usually a sign that an actual stroke is coming. Treatment and care should be commenced immediately if one experiences TIA even though the symptoms disappear.

For hemorrhagic stroke, the artery bursts open or the blood leaks out of the artery. The blood causes increased pressure in the skull leading to damage of brain cells.

Risk factors

The following factors make you more prone to developing a stroke:

• Heavy Smoking

• An unhealthy diet (diet containing too much fat and salt)

• Physical inactivity

• Too much intake of alcohol

• Family history of stroke

• Age(the older you get, the higher the chances of a stroke)

• Hypertension

• Obesity

Treatment

Medications

Drugs are administered to break down the clot formed in the arteries of the brain in the case of an ischemic stroke.
However, in the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, drugs that encourage clotting and blood coagulation is administered.

Drugs that reduce hypertension are also administered

Surgery

Surgery can be done to remove a clot(especially if it's too large). In the case of a hemorrhage, surgery is done to clip the artery that is leaking.

Physical therapy

This is done to strengthen muscles that were weakened as a result of the stroke. Physical therapy also helps restore balance and coordination.

Prevention

Stroke can be prevented by radical lifestyle changes. They include

• Reduced alcohol consumption

• Being physically active and maintaining an adequate weight

• Reduced alcohol intake

• Frequent checkups

Conclusion

Swift action is needed in the case of a stroke. If you see someone having a stroke or if you are having a stroke, get medical attention as soon as possible to prevent worse outcomes.

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