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Brain strokes: Know the symptoms for quick treatment

Brain strokes

A brain stroke occurs when there is a disturbance or blockage of blood supply to the brain. Due to the cut off of blood circulation, brain is unable to function which may result in disability of movement of one or both limbs/hands on one side of the body. Difficulty in understanding, formulation of speech or impaired vision are some of the effects of a stroke. A stroke can also cause permanent neurological damage and various other complications. Brain stroke is of two types – ischemic and hemorrhagic. Quick diagnosis and treatment can help in mitigating the damages and maximizes the chances of full recovery.

Causes

1. Ischemic stroke

This kind of stroke forms when there is a blood clot in the artery of the brain. Narrowed arteries cause blood clots. Blood clots in the heart also cause stroke. There are many other causes for a stroke. This is the most common kind of strokes that occurs in all age groups, including children.

2. Hemorrhagic stroke

This stroke occurs, when there is a rupture of a blood vessel within the brain. The increasing pressure causes damage to surrounding blood cells of the brain. This is mainly caused due to high blood pressure. This is a less common kind of stroke but more dangerous than the ischemic stroke. It can occur in people belonging to all age groups.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stroke are always instantaneous and depends on the area where the brain is affected. More the area of the brain that gets affected, more is the loss of functions in the body. The symptoms of stroke which need quick treatment are – sudden onset of weakness, abnormal speech, vision changes, inability to understand simple statements, problems with walking and moving parts of the body or a sudden headache (this is quite different from the normal headaches).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a stroke should be immediate. The emergency responder or a medical professional needs to diagnose the type of stroke – hemorrhagic or ischemic. CT, MRI scans, arteriography, Doppler ultrasound are some of the known ways to diagnose a stroke. It is important that a proper diagnosis to decide for the right path of treatment. A thorough physical examination with the help of scans including the history of the patient helps to determine the intensity of the stroke.

Treatment

1. Ischemic stroke

The main focus of treatment for this type of stroke involves removing the blood clot and restore the blood supply to the brain. Medical professionals may use medicines that help in dissipating the blood clot. Medicines are given to prevent formation of new blood clots. Studies show, if the treatment is administered within 90 minutes of occurrence of the stroke, there are increased chances of recovery.

2. Hemorrhagic stroke

The treatment for this type of stroke can be quite difficult since patients need to be monitored for their blood pressure and bleeding. Doctors may perform surgery to reduce swelling, pressure and bleeding of the brain.

Recovery

Rehabilitation involves focusing on steps that help the patient to return to normalcy. The patient should ensure to take all the medicines and complete the course as prescribed by the doctor. Rehabilitation helps a patient to relearn the basic skills that were lost due to stroke. It also takes steps to prevent occurrence of future strokes. It is quite important to start rehabilitation to improve the chances of full recovery.

Prevention

Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the prime causes of a stroke. There are many people who are not aware of having high blood pressure. It is suggested to go for regular medical checkups and monitor your blood cholesterol and pressure. Diabetes has a direct impact on blood pressure. Managing the blood sugar levels helps to prevent the occurrence of stroke. Also, people with high cholesterol are advised to take appropriate steps to bring the levels under check. Take up a sport of your choice which helps in raising the heart rate, such as, swimming, tennis, cycling and other physical sports. Adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, supplemented with good amount of physical exercise will help to keep the strokes at bay. Abstinence from alcohol, smoking, drugs, overeating helps a great deal in the management and prevention of stroke.

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