A stroke is a rapid loss of brain functions due to a disruption in blood flow to the brain. It can occur due to ischemia (lack of blood flow) caused by blockage (thrombosis, arterial embolism) or due to bleeding (blood spillage).
As a result, the affected area of the brain cannot function, leaving the affected person unable to move one or more limbs on the affected side, unable to speak clearly or form words, or unable to see on one side of the visual field.
Common signs of a stroke
The type and severity of stroke symptoms depend on the area of the brain that is affected.
Stroke symptoms in men and women can include:
- Sudden numbness, weakness, or inability to move the face, arms, or legs (especially on one side of the body)
- Confusion
- Problems with speaking and understanding speech
- A vision problem in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance or coordination
- A sudden, severe headache
- Breathing problems
- Loss of consciousness
Fast - FAST - test
If you think you or someone around you is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.
The FAST test is useful for stroke recognition.
Face (face) - hanging face. Ask the person to smile. Is that smile crooked?
Arm (hand) - ask the person to raise their hands. Is one falling down? The affected person cannot raise one arm or make a fist.
Look (speech) - is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as: 'The sky is blue.' Is the sentence pronounced correctly?
Time (time) - check vital signs and call 911 if you suspect the person has had a stroke.
Symptoms in women are different
Strokes are experienced by many more women than men, women are more likely to experience a stroke rather than a heart attack as the first manifestation of cardiovascular disease.
And the symptoms may be different from what men experience:
- Fainting
- Difficulty or shortness of breath
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Hallucinations
- Nausea or vomiting
- Prolonged hiccups
Types and causes of stroke
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
Ischemic stroke, which is also the most common, occurs if a clot has blocked an artery and prevented blood flow, and hemorrhagic stroke occurs if a blood vessel bursts and blood penetrates the surrounding tissue. About 85 percent of strokes are ischemic.
Risk factors
Certain external influences and lifestyle habits increase the risk of stroke. Some risk factors can be treated or controlled, while others cannot.
Factors that cannot be changed:
- Family history of the disease - Your risk of stroke may be higher if your parents, grandparents have suffered a stroke.
- Years - Stroke most often affects people over the age of 65.
- Pol - Stroke affects women more.
Modifiable risk factors:
- High blood pressure - High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, but it can be controlled with appropriate therapy
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Diabetes - Not only does diabetes increase the risk of stroke, many people also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and excess body weight, which further increases the risk.
- Anemia
Other risk factors for stroke:
Certain lifestyle habits can also increase the risk of stroke:
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
- Obesity
- Inactivity
- Stress
- Heavy alcohol use
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