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Stroke
From CopperWiki
A stroke is a medical emergency. Known sometimes as brain attacks, they occur when the blood flow to the brain stops for some reason. As soon as this happens, brain cells begin to die.
An estimated 150,000 people have a stroke in the UK each year.[1] Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Over 160,000 people die each year from stroke in the United States.[2]
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[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
- Stroke can happen to anyone, young or old, at any time. In fact, 25 per cent of people who have a stroke are under retirement age.[3]
- 80% of strokes that occur can be prevented.[4]
- Stroke is the third most common cause of death in England and Wales, after heart disease and cancer.[3]
- Stroke has a greater disability impact than any other chronic disease. Over 300,000 people are living with moderate to severe disabilities as a result of stroke
[edit] All about stroke
Stroke is caused by a blockage of blood supply to, or a bleed within, the brain. There are two kinds of stroke.
- The more common kind, called ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain.
- The other kind, called hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain. "Mini-strokes" or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.
[edit] Signs of stroke
Signs of a stroke appear suddenly and most commonly include one or more of the following:
- Facial weakness
- Arm or leg weakness
- Speech problems
- Visual problems
If signs of stroke only last a few minutes or a few hours, then a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke may have occurred
[edit] Symptoms of Stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Generally, a doctor will assess any underlying stroke risk factors and advise how these can be managed to reduce the risk of another stroke.
[edit] Treatment
It is important to notice and realize the symptoms of stroke in the first stage. Proper medical history can help the physician identify the extent, location, type and presence of the stroke. It can help the physician limit the damage caused by the stroke. Supportive care in the form of occupational therapy, physiotherapy can help the recovery of the patient.
[edit] What can I do?
All people can take steps to lower their risk for stroke, whether they have had a stroke or not. Things you can do to lower the risk of stroke include
- Prevent and control high blood pressure
- Prevent and control diabetes
- No smoking
- Treat irregular beating of the heart
- Prevent and control high blood cholesterol
- Moderate alcohol use
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Regular Physical Activity
- Have a balanced diet which is both healthy and full of nutrients.
A stroke is an emergency. If you see the signs of a stroke act fast and call emergency services. Early treatment saves lives and increases the chance of making a better recovery. A TIA is a warning sign that must never be ignored. Seek urgent medical attention for assessment and treatment.
[edit] Unlearn
- There is a prevalent belief that stroke happens to the heart. It is actually Stroke is a "Brain Attack".
- It is a myth that stroke is unpreventable. It is largely preventable.
- There exists a belief that stroke cannot be treated. In fact, stroke requires emergency treatment.
- There is a fallacy that stroke only strikes the elderly. It can happen to anyone.
- It is thought that stroke recovery only happens for a few months following a stroke. Actually, stroke recovery continues throughout life.
[edit] CopperBytes
- Around 15 million people worldwide suffer from stroke every year.[5]
- About a quarter of strokes happen in people aged under 65 years.[6]
- Stroke leaves around a third of its victims permanently disabled.[5]
- Recurrent stroke is common in stroke survivors and around a quarter of people who recover from their first stroke will have another one within 5 years.[7]
[edit] References
[edit] Source
- ↑ National stroke awareness campaign launched
- ↑ Stroke facts:CDC
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 National stroke awareness campaign launched :Department of Health (National)
- ↑ Stroke Alliance For Europe:Facts and Figures
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke:WHO
- ↑ Stroke Prevention:Centers for Disease Control And Prevention
- ↑ Preventing a stroke
