What is Stroke?
A stroke, known medically as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is the rapidly developing loss of brain function(s) due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia (lack of blood flow) caused by blockage (thrombosis, arterial embolism), or a hemorrhage (leakage of blood). As a result, the affected area of the brain is unable to function, leading to inability to move one or more limbs on one side of the body, inability to understand or formulate speech, or an inability to see one side of the visual field. Click to see brain stroke ppt here.
Classification of Stroke
There are two major categories of stroke.
· Ischemic strokes
· Hemorrhagic strokes
Definition and Classification
Blood clot or blockages in the arteries causes Ischemic strokes and when blood vessels break it causes hemorrhagic strokes.
The most common cause of Ischemic strokes is the blockages in the carotid arteries. This cause is responsible in the 80 % cases of strokes. In old age the arteries become narrowed with rough deposits of plaque which is called "stenosis". Click here for brain stroke ppt presentation.
What results in Stroke?
The unhealthy arteries block completely when the plaque accumulates or the breakage results in clot this disease is called "embolism" and "thrombosis". When the arteries become plugged, the blood cannot reach the brain thus it results in stroke.
The fatty deposits or plaque which is building up in the arteries carrying blood to the brain causes Thrombotic strokes. In this stroke the blood moves very slowly through the arteries because of plaque and the clots are formed in the blood that blocks the movement of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
An embolic stroke is caused by a blood clot formed in another part of the body which breaks loose, travels through the bloodstream, and then blocks an artery carrying nutrients and oxygen to the brain.
A hemorrhagic stroke takes place when an artery supplying blood bleeds into the brain. The ruptured blood vessel prevents needed oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells. One type of hemorrhagic stroke is caused when an artery which has weakened over time, bulges (called an aneurysm) and suddenly bursts.
What Causes a Stroke?
· High blood pressure
· Diabetes
· Overweight
· Smoking and intake of excessive alcohol
Apart from all the above cause stroke is also a genetic disease which is transferred from one person other through genes. If you already had a stroke once than you should be careful of some problems like blurred vision, numbness specially an uncomfortable feeling on one side, slurred speech, clumsiness.
What are the symptoms of stroke?
Symptoms like weakness of the face or a limb, a blurring of vision, dizziness or an extreme headache are some of the common symptoms of stroke.
How can stroke be prevented?
Following are some of the preventive measures of stroke:-
· Check or know your blood pressure
· Note if you have atrial fibrillation, which emboldens the formation of blood clots
· Stop smoking and less intake of alcohol
· Check or know you cholesterol level it should not be high
· Do regular exercise
· Eat a low-salt diet
When to consult the physician?
Consult your physician if you feel symptoms like weakness of the face or a limb, a blurring of vision, dizziness or an extreme headache. If you once come across stroke than be cautious and seek medical advice by your physician in routine.
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