Stroke Management

A stroke or brain attack occurs when something blocks the blood supply to a part of the brain or bursts a blood vessel. A stroke can causes lasting brain damage, long term disability or even death, most strokes are (87 percent) ischemic.

1. Ischemic stroke : It happens when blood flow through artery ( supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain ) becomes blocked. Blood clots often cause the blockages.

2. Hemorrhagic stroke : It happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures and put too much pressure on brain cells which damage them. High blood pressure is the main cause.

3. Transient ischemic attack : It is called a mini-stroke. In this case blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short time ( about 5 minutes or less ).

Symptoms:

1. Balance loss, eyesight loss, facial drooping, arms weakness, and speech difficulty.

2. Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body.

3. Confusion : Trouble in speaking

4. Trouble in seeing: In one or both eyes.

5. Trouble in walking : Dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination in case of legs.

6. Severe headache with no known cause.

7. Difficulty in understanding or in speech or language.

8. Dizziness : feeling faint, lightheaded or like the room is spinning.

Stroke management

We can reduce the risk of stroke by 1. Choosing healthy food and drink. 2. Keeping healthy weight. 3. Getting regular physical activity. 4. No smoking. 5. Limiting alcohol. 6. Checking cholesterol regularly as advised by the doctor. 7. Controlling blood pressure. 8. Controlling diabetes.

We cannot change our family history and age which are the major factors for stroke. But we can play an important role to decrease the chances of stroke with proper, timely and efficient management of the following factors.

1. Blood pressure : Ideal goal is maintaining blood pressure less than 120 / 80 or no higher than 140 / 90. Check blood pressure regularly as this is the key factor of stroke.

2. Protect yourself from the damage of chronic inflammation. Chronic low grade inflammation can turn into a silent killer ( cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes ). We can achieve it by some necessary precautions like ; reduce the salt in your diet to no more than 1.5 grams a day. Avoid high- cholesterol foods such as burgers, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products. Eat 4-5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day. Quit smoking and limit drinking. If needed, take blood pressure medicine regularly as advised by the doctor.

3. Loose weight : Maintain normal weight as per your height and age. Ideal body mass index ( BMI ) is 25 or less. Try to eat no more than 1500-2000 calories a day depending on your activities level. Increase your daily exercise.

4. Exercise more : exercise contribute to losing weight, lowering blood pressure, and it is also a stroke reducer.

5. Treat atrial fibrillation : Atrial fibrillation is a form of irregular heartbeat that causes clots to form in the heart. These clots can then travel to the brain, producing a stroke. If you have symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath then see your doctor immediately, you may need to take blood thinner.

6. Treat diabetes : Having high blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, and contributes to making clots. Use healthy diet, exercise and medicine to keep your blood sugar within the recommended range.

7. Quit smoking : smoking accelerates clot formation. It thickens your blood, and it increases the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries.

Too many people ignore the signs of stroke because they question whether their symptoms are real. Don’t wait if you have any unusual symptoms. Listen to your body and trust your instincts. If something is off as mentioned earlier, get professional help right away. When there is something wrong with the face, arm, and speech, call 911 without fail and take necessary aides.