Forest View Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing

Medical Notes on Strokes

A stroke is a life-threatening event in which the brain's oxygen supply is cut off. A stroke can affect the senses, speech, behavior, thought patterns, and memory. It may also result in paralysis, coma, and death.

What causes a stroke? A stroke occurs when an artery to the brain bursts or becomes clogged. Brain tissue deprived of oxygen dies within minutes. High blood pressure, and the build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries, increase the risk of stroke.

A stroke may happen suddenly, but it often follows years of a slow buildup of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels. A small percentage of strokes are preceded by TIAs. These mini strokes can occur days, weeks or even months before a major stroke. TIAs frequently last less than 5 minutes, with symptoms similar to a full-fledged stroke.

Damage of a stroke is usually limited to one side of the brain, and each half of the brain controls functions on the opposite side of the body. The specific functions disrupted by a stroke also are determined by the portion of the brain that is affected.

The degree of recovery from a stroke varies greatly. Some people make a good recovery with little or no lasting effects, while others may be virtually helpless. A good deal depends upon prompt treatment to minimize the brain damage. Damaged nerve and brain tissue does not regenerate, but other parts of the brain may be trained to take over the functions of the damaged area.

Symptoms

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm and leg, usually on one side of the body
• Difficulty talking or understanding speech
• Dimness or loss of vision, particularly in only one eye
• Unexplained dizziness
• Sudden, severe headache

How to Help Avoid Strokes

• Check blood pressure regularly, keeping it under control
• Eat a well-balanced diet; low in saturated fats and cholesterol
• If you have diabetes, keep it well under control; this is a high risk factor
• No Smoking
• Alcohol in moderation
• Ask your doctor about taking low doses of aspirin

More Information about Strokes..

Disclaimer: The following sites are suggested resources for learning more about healthy aging and elder care. CFW Healthcare Group does not endorse any of these sites. We include them as references for those who wish to find more information.

www.stroke.org
The National Stroke Association's guidelines on prevention, treatment, and rehab to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke.

www.strokeassociation.org
Every 53 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. The American Stroke Association offers warning signs of stroke and an A-Z guide to heart and stroke. Learn about prevention, treatment, and services to stroke victims.

www.biausa.org Brain Injury Association of America

Additional Information of Interest..

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