Strokes are brain attacks. They occur when the blood supply to the brain becomes blocked. A stroke is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical attention.During a stroke, the brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients, causing brain cells to die.Strokes need to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible to minimize brain damage.
Types
- Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke. A blood clot prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by blood leaking into the brain
- Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs): Also referred to as a mini stroke, these occur after blood flow fails to reach part of the brain. Normal blood flow resumes after a short amount of time, and symptoms cease
Causes
- Overweight
- Being aged 55 years or older
- Family history of stroke
- Inactive lifestyle
- High blood pressure ,High blood cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus
- cigarette smoking (active and passive), heavy alcohol use, drug use
Symptoms
- Trouble with speaking and understanding.
- Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg.
- Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes. Headache.
- Trouble with walking, sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.
Prevention
- eating a healthy diet
- maintaining a healthy weight
- exercising regularly
- not smoking tobacco
- avoiding alcohol or drinking moderately
- keeping blood pressure under control
- managing diabetes I
- treating obstructive sleep apnea