A healthy brain is vital to a healthy body. The brain is responsible for controlling both autonomic functions and somatic nervous responses. Stroke is a disease that can affect the brain and greatly diminish quality of life, which is why it’s so essential to learn the basics of stroke.
What is a stroke?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a stroke occurs when something blocks the blood supply to a part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
How serious is a stroke?
The Cleveland Clinic says strokes are the second-leading cause of death worldwide and the fifth most common cause of death in the United States. A stroke causes parts of the brain to become damaged or die, so it can cause lasting damage, long-term disability or even death.
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What are the symptoms of a stroke?
A stroke can cause any number of symptoms. Here are some of the most common:
- Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying.
- Numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg, typically affecting just one side of the body.
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
- A sudden, severe headache that may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness and a change in consciousness.
- Challenges walking or finding balance.
The Mayo Clinic suggests using the acronym FAST to recognize if a stroke is occurring.
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Or is one arm unable to rise?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred or different from usual?
- Time: Time is of the essence when a person is suffering a stroke.
If any of these signs are observed, call for emergency medical help immediately.
What causes a stroke?
Ischemic strokes occur because a blood clot blocks a blood vessel connected to the brain. They may be brought on by hardened arteries, atrial fibrillation, clotting disorders, heart defects, and microvascular ischemic disease.
Hemorrhagic strokes, which happen when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, can result from brain aneurysms, brain tumors, high blood pressure, and any condition that weakens blood vessels in the brain.
In some instances, treatment for these underlying conditions may help reduce the risk that a stroke will occur. It’s important to note that a transient ischemic attack, sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” is a temporary stroke. A mini-stroke often is a warning sign that a true stroke will occur soon and intervention is needed.
People who are older than 65, smoke or use other forms of tobacco or nicotine, use recreational or nonprescription drugs, have type 2 diabetes, and those with alcohol use disorder are at higher risk for stroke. All individuals are urged to speak with their doctors about stroke risk and prevention.
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