Important Facts to Know about Stroke
Nowadays, stroke has become one of the most prominent causes of death for most citizens. It is caused when the blood faces an obstacle to flow freely through the brain. Either, it is due to the formation of clots or leakage of blood. This insufficient flow of oxygen or the flooding of the blood makes the brain cells die. Such a situation can be termed as a stroke.
Causes of stroke
Also known as brain attacks, strokes are mainly two causes of strokes. In such a condition the brain has no ability to function freely due to the blockage. This blockage is formed if the arteries get narrowed down due to the fat deposition in the inner layers.
Symptoms of stroke
The symptoms of this disease can just occur without any warnings. Even if you see the slightest conditions of the symptoms for this disease, you must seek immediate medication. In most of the cases, stroke becomes fatal in a very less span of time. Some of the main symptoms are:
- Vision problems in single or both eyes
- Inability to move several body parts
- A severe headache
- Vomiting
- Numbness in the muscles
- Mobility problems with difficulties in coordination
The symptoms might change extensively in accordance with the increasing severity of the disease.
- Droopy face
This is obviously a serious symptom because a clear indication of muscle degeneration can be seen. - Disability to raise an arm
If the drifting of a single arm is seen, the patient should be immediately taken to the doctor. This can be a clear indication of a brain attack as the coordination can be seen loosening up. - Slurred speech
The improper functioning of the tongue results in the slurred speech.
Irrespective of the type of stroke, you should remember to take action on controlling it. This is because 50% of the cases for strokes are curable. There are a number of risk factors like obesity, age, gender, addiction, ethnic background, and family history that can lead to stroke. If you reach out to a doctor at the right time, chances of your recovery can increase drastically.
Treatments for stroke
When it comes to the treatment of the said disease, there are several measures which can be taken. To treat a patient having an ischemic stroke, clot-busting drugs are injected in your veins. Chances of your survival may increase drastically if it is injected on time.
The application of the intravenous injection with a tissue Plasminogen Activator can be the most effective treatment for the ischemic type of stroke. This type of drug extensively helps in removal of clots within the bloodstream. A period of 4.5 hours is termed as the golden period when this can be given. Though, in case of potential bleeding in the brain, tPA may not be applicable.
Medications can be directly applied to your brain by the use of a catheter. This process is called Thrombolysis. Some leading treatments which can be applied to treat hemorrhagic stroke are as follows:
- Emergency treatments
Application of Warfarin or antiplatelet drugs can be applied as anti-clotting agents. Medicines to lower blood pressure in the brain can also be given. If the bleeding in your brain stops, you can see a quick healing process instantly as the blood will be absorbed by your body. - Surgery
Surgical vessel repairing can also be done by your doctor. The use of surgical clippings, stereotactic, and surgical AVM removal are the most extensively used methods to cure hemorrhagic stroke these days.