A stroke occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain is interrupted. It can be caused by a blood vessel breaking, with blood bleeding into the brain or it can be caused by a blood clot blocking the blood supply to the brain. Whichever type of stroke it is, the death of brain cells may occur. When this happens, the parts of the body, which the dead cells once controlled, do not function.
| Causes/Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Consequences |
Treatment/Prevention |
- smoking
- high blood pressure
- hardening of the arteries
- heart disease
- diabetes
|
- sudden weakness,
- numbness &/or tingling of the face, arm or leg
- sudden temporary loss of speech or trouble understanding speech
- sudden loss of vision, particularly in one eye, or double vision
- unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially with the above signs
- sudden severe headache for no apparent reason
|
- paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
- vision problems
- trouble using or understanding language
- inability to recognize or use familiar objects
- tiredness
- depression
- expression of emotional responses that are exaggerated or inappropriate
- difficulty learning & remembering new information
- changes in personality
- slow or slurred speech
- changes in sight, touch movement & thought behavioral changes
- mobility problems
- functional limitations
|
Treatment
- medications
- surgery
- rehabilitation
- prevention
- control high blood pressure
- eat a high fiber, low salt and low fat diet
- do regular, moderate physical activity
- avoid alcohol & tobacco
- take medication the doctor prescribes
|
