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