Signs of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted because of hemorrhage, occlusion or other causes. Here are the signs and symptoms associated with a stroke.
Signs of a Stroke
When the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced to a large extent, depriving the brain tissue of nutrients and oxygen, a stroke occurs. After a few minutes of occurring, the brain cells begin to die.

A stroke is a medical emergency for which prompt treatment is required.

Signs and Symptoms

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke as it may make it possible to get prompt treatment for you or someone you know.

The signs and symptoms of a stroke include:
  • An abrupt headache
  • Unexpected vision problems
  • Unexpected numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
  • Unexpected loss of coordination and dizziness
  • Unexpected difficulty in speaking or understanding speech
In some cases a stroke does not provide any warning. There is one possible sign of an impending stroke, which is known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). TIA is a momentary interruption of blood flow to a part of your brain. The signs and symptoms that accompany TIA are the same as that of a stroke, the only difference being that in the case of TIA the signs and symptoms last for shorter periods.

A TIA is an indication of a serious underlying risk that a full-blown stroke may follow. A person who has had a TIA is much more likely to suffer a stroke than a person who has not.

Causes

The problem with a stroke or brain attack is the amount of blood in the brain.
  • Ischemic Stroke: This type of stroke is caused by too little blood in the brain.
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke This type of stroke is caused by the presence of too much blood in the skull.
Treatment

The treatment provided for a stroke depends on the type and severity.
  • Ischemic Stroke: Treatments may include clot-busting medications, surgery and/or interventional neuroradiology.
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke: In this case treatment may include medications and/or surgery.
Prevention

Some of the steps that can be followed to reduce the risk of a stroke are:
  • Reduce excess weight
  • Control high blood pressure
  • Stop smoking
  • Exercise regularly
  • Reduce the intake of sodium and fat
  • Reduce stress
Complications

If prompt medical treatment is not provided then complications may result from ischemic cascade or develop as a result of the patient becoming bedridden or immobile.

The complications that may occur within 72 hours are:
  • Seizures
  • Cerebral swelling
  • Intraverebral hemorrhage
   By Rachna Gupta
Published: 10/4/2007
 
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Your Comments:
Your Name:
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
Recipient Email Address:
 Separate multiple email addresses by ;
Your Name:
Your Email Address: