Stroke

Symptoms and treatment of stroke

In countries like the United States, stroke is the third most common cause of death, and it is also responsible for most of the severe disabilities developed by older people. Stroke affects thousands of people every year, and yet the symptoms remain largely a mystery. Being able to recognize stroke symptoms could one day help save the lives of family and friends.

Symptoms of Stroke

Heart attacks and strokes share similar etiologies and underlying causes: a heart attack is an interruption of the blood supply to the heart and stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to the brain. There are actually a number of different varieties of stroke, which complicates identification of stroke symptoms: ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked by blood clots or fat; Hemorrhagic stroke is bleeding inside the brain, usually the result of a blood vessel bursting there. Transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is sometimes called a mini stroke, as the symptoms are temporary – they may be precursors to a full-blown stroke.

The symptoms of a stroke and TIA can include a weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg along one side of the body (there may also be numbness), problems speaking or making oneself understood, problems with understanding, loss of vision in one eye, severe headache or migraine, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms clearly differentiate stroke from hyperthermia, more commonly known as heat stroke, which is a completely unrelated condition despite its name.

Treatment of a Stroke

After suffering a stroke, rehabilitation can be a very long process; depending upon the severity of the stroke, people may suffer paralysis, vision and comprehension problems, and problems with language including speech, reading and writing. If the symptoms are severe, it is likely that a long period of residence at a stroke rehab centre will be necessary. Stroke victims will usually be encouraged to become active early on in the recovery, due to the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and other clotting problems. During the recovery period, doctors will be monitoring the patient for further complications or repeated strokes. The types of medicines prescribed will depend very much upon the form of stroke suffered; ischemic strokes will be treated with blood thinners, but hemorrhagic stroke victims will need blood clotting agents and medicines to control blood pressure.