Stroke

A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain stops. This dysfunctionality can affect the entire body. It can lead to paralysis, loss of speech, memory, vision, diminished reasoning—and sometimes even death.

• Causes of Stroke:

The two main causes of stroke are: a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).

• Ischemic Stroke

  It happens when the brain's blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow (ischemia)

  It is caused due to: Fatty deposits that build up in blood vessels or by blood clots or other debris that travel through your bloodstream in your brain.

• Hemorrhagic Stroke

  It occurs when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or ruptures. Brain hemorrhages can result from many conditions that affect your blood vessels.

  It can happen due to:

  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Ischemic stroke leading to hemorrhage
  • Bulges at weak spots in your blood vessel walls (aneurysms)
  • Protein deposits in blood vessel walls that lead to weakness in the vessel wall (cerebral amyloid angiopathy)
  • Overtreatment with blood thinners (anticoagulants)
  • Trauma (such as a car accident)

• Other factors associated with a higher risk of stroke include:

  • Age: People who are 60 or older have a higher risk of stroke than younger people. Note: Men are more likely to suffer a stroke than women
  • Obesity and physical inactivity
  • Excess consumption of alcohol
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Family history of stroke

• Signs/Symptoms

Health experts suggest using the “FAST” test to help you recognize the early signs and symptoms of a stroke. It can make a big difference to someone’s life. It can certainly prevent long-term disability or death.

• What is the FAST Test?

Face - Smile and see if one side of the face droops. If you notice a droop or uneven smile on one side of the face - it is a warning sign.

Arms - Raise both the arms. Does one arm drop down? If yes - It’s a warning sign

Speech: Say a short phrase and check for slurred or strange speech -it can indicate a sudden stroke.

Time: If someone is experiencing stroke symptoms, it’s time to act fast.

• Other Possible Signs Include

• Numbness or "pins and needles" sensation anywhere in the body (be it your face, arms, legs, especially on one side)
• Muscle stiffness
• Trouble seeing with one or both eyes
• Problems walking or staying balanced or coordinated
• Severe headache that comes on for no reason
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Difficulty swallowing

Note: Don't wait to see if the signs/symptoms stop. Visit your nearest doctor immediately. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability. Speedy treatment can improve chances of full recovery.

• Tips to Prevent Stroke

You can minimize the risk factors of having a stroke by following the tips given below:

• Eat more green vegetables, fruits, and nuts
• Choose seafood and eggs instead of red meat
• Limit the intake of sodium, fats, sugars, and refined grains
• Drink lots of water
• Limit or quit alcohol and tobacco
• Exercise regularly
• Practice yoga and meditation
• Take prescribed medications for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure etc. as directed by the physician

Treat your body like a temple, not a woodshed. Pay attention to different signs and trust your instincts. If you know that a particular risk factor is sabotaging your health take immediate steps to alleviate the effects. You don’t have to let it go that far. Your body is designed for good health and a better life. By treating it right, you’ll stay into a natural state of wellness.