Suffering a Stroke is Dangerous and Needs Fast Treatment
A stroke can occur when a person has the blood supply to their brain reduced or cut off altogether. This can happen to a small part of the brain or a large part of the brain. Robbed of nutrients and oxygen, brain cells will begin to die quickly. When someone has a stroke, they need to get medical care as soon as possible. Early intervention and treatment can help to minimize the risk of death and the complications of brain damage. Fortunately, thanks to proactive measures and fast treatment options, fewer people now die from stroke than in the past. Many people are able to recover from their stroke without long-lasting consequences if treatment is done quickly enough. If anyone has the symptoms of a stroke, they should go to their nearest emergency room or urgent care center.
Causes of Stroke
There are two different causes of stroke. These two causes include a hemorrhagic stroke which is where a blood vessel bursts or leaks, and an ischemic stroke which is a blocked artery. The ischemic form of stroke is more common for people to encounter. The brain’s blood vessels will become blocked or narrowed, and this significantly reduces blood flow. This can be caused by blood clots and fatty deposits that build up. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks. This can be caused by overtreatment of blood thinners, weak spots in your blood vessel walls, uncontrolled high blood pressure, trauma, and protein deposits. In some cases, a hemorrhagic stroke can be caused by an ischemic stroke.
Signs of Stroke
There are several signs of a stroke, and they include:
- Trouble speaking - Slurring speech and having difficulty getting words out is a sign of a stroke.
- Trouble understanding other people - Anyone having a stroke may have difficulty understanding a person talking.
- Numbness in the arms, face, or leg - Stroke symptoms include feeling numb on a single side of a person's body. A person that is suspected of having a stroke should lift both arms into the air. If one arm falls, this is a pretty clear sign of a stroke.
- Vision problems - Anyone having a stroke may experience blurry vision or complete loss of vision.
- Severe headache - A severe headache is an indication of a stroke when combined with other symptoms.
- Dizziness - Often, those who experience a stroke feel like they are very dizzy.
- Trouble walking - A stroke may cause a person to feel like they are not coordinated.
Stroke Recovery
Recovery from a stroke will vary on a few different factors. These include how severe the stroke was, the area of the brain that was involved, how quickly the stroke was treated, and if the body was affected at all. Treatment options after having a stroke include a lot of people to help out. These people can include:
- Neurologists - A person who has had a stroke will need to be in the care of a neurologist. A neurologist can take a look at the brain to find any issues that may put a person at risk for another stroke
- Dietitian - A person who has had a stroke will need to meet with a dietitian to adjust their diet to a more healthier one.
- Occupation and recreational therapist - Getting therapy can help a person learn to walk again and function after having a stroke.
- Chaplain - Some people find that they wish to get closer with their religion after a stroke.
- Speech pathologist - If a person has issues with speech after having a stroke, they will benefit from seeing a speech pathologist.
- Psychotherapist - A person may benefit from therapy after a stroke. Having a stroke can affect one’s mental health.
In some cases, if the stroke causes a lot of secondary health problems, a person will need to recover in a rehabilitation center. There, the staff can help a person learn to walk, talk, and return to normal activities. With proper care, many people can recover from a stroke with little to no issues with their health. However, it is imperative that immediate treatment begin once a stroke begins. The quicker treatment begins, the better outcome the person will have.