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A stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain either burst or become blocked. Blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Without oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. This can lead to neurological problems such as impaired speech, vision and movement, as well as paralysis and coma. A severe stroke can be fatal.
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Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots which block blood flow in or leading to the brain. Blood clots form most often in arteries damaged by
atherosclerosis, a disease in which the artery walls become thick and lined with fatty deposits (plaques). About 80% of strokes are ischemic strokes.
Hemorrhagic or bleeding strokes are caused by the rupture of blood vessels in the brain and are usually more serious. Hemorrhagic strokes are often caused by high blood pressure or a ruptured
aneurysm (a balloon-like swelling in the wall of an artery).
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Sudden numbness, weakness or tingling of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
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Sudden slurred or loss of speech, trouble understanding simple statements.
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Sudden blurred or loss of vision, in one or
both eyes
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Sudden severe, unexplained dizziness,
unsteadiness or lack of coordination.
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Sudden severe, unexplained headache
Sometimes a "ministroke" or TIA (transient ischemic attack) may occur days, weeks or months before a major stroke. The symptoms usually last a few minutes. Do not ignore these signs. Seek medical attention promptly to prevent a fatal or disabling stroke from occurring.
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A medical history, as well as physical and neurological exam enable a physician to confirm the diagnosis and assess the damage. Your doctor may order other diagnostic tests such as CT scan or MRI of the brain to give a more detailed picture of the injured area.
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Age – two thirds of all strokes occur in people over 65
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Sex – men are more likely than women to have a stroke
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Race – non-whites have a greater risk than whites
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A prior stroke or heart attack
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Cigarette smoking
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High blood pressure
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Obesity
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Heredity
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Diabetes
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High cholesterol level
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Atrial Fibrillation(AF) – a heart condition marked by rapid, irregular heartbeat. AF increases the formation of blood clots in the heart.
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Carotid Artery Disease – narrowing of the main arteries in the neck which supply blood to the brain due to plaque build up.
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Heavy alcohol consumption
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Control blood pressure – keep blood pressure below 140 over 90
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Control diabetes
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Lower cholesterol level, specifically the harmful “LDL” cholesterol. Consider cholesterol lowering drugs for persons with a history of heart disease or heart attack.
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Stop smoking
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Control weight
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Exercise regularly
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Follow a diet low in fat and sodium(salt), high in fruits and vegetables
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Limit alcohol consumption – under 2 drinks a day
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Take prescription medications to treat Atrial Fibrillation. Commonly prescribed are anti-clotting and blood thinning medications.
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Consider Carotid Endarterectomy – a surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid arteries. May be beneficial for persons with severe blockage. Sudden numbness, weakness or tingling of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
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For ischemic stroke:
Tissue Plasminogen Activator, a clot-busting drug, greatly improves the chance of recovery if given within 3 hours of the attack. However this treatment is generally offered only at hospitals with neurosurgery facilities.
For hemorrhagic stroke:
Emergency brain surgery can sometimes stop the bleeding.
Stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experience the signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately. The chances of recovery from a stroke will be greater if it is treated promptly. For more information on stroke, contact the American Heart Association at 1-800-242-8721
(www.americanheart.org) or the National Stroke Association at 1-800-787-6537
(www.stroke.org).
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Previouis Article: Osteoporosis
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