A stroke (otherwise known as: stroke or cerebral infarction) is defined as a set of neurological symptoms that last longer than 24 hours and usually appear suddenly. Strokes are divided into haemorrhagic strokes (accounting for about 20% of all cases) and ischaemic strokes (about 80% of all cases). In both cases, it is a life-threatening condition.
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A patient with a suspected stroke should be transported to a specialist stroke unit as soon as possible. Never underestimate alarming symptoms, wait for them to subside on their own, or administer home remedies (e.g. blood pressure lowering, painkillers, etc.).
Some stroke patients require rehabilitation, support and care for the rest of their lives and will never fully recover. Other post-stroke patients fully return to self-reliance, function and independence. They have no neurological symptoms. Such a condition depends on several factors, among which we mention: the type of stroke, the location, the area covered by the brain and the time of arrival at the specialised ward.
Types of stroke (causes of stroke)
Acerebral ischaemic stroke is defined as a sudden, abrupt, partial or total stoppage/blockage of the blood supply to an area of the brain, caused by embolic material or a clot clogging a vessel.
Cerebral haemorrhagic stroke is caused by blood leaking outside a cerebral vessel as a result of, among other things, rupture of properly formed cerebral arteries, hemangiomas as well as vascular malformations. In most cases, the escape of blood leads to the destruction of adjacent tissues and their irreversible damage.
Symptoms of a stroke
If the following symptoms appear, the patient should be safely transported to hospital or an ambulance should be called as soon as possible. They should never be underestimated. It is essential to check basic vital signs (breathing, pulse and try to talk to the victim at all times).
Prompt assistance to a patient who has suffered a stroke will help protect the patient from complications. Prompt initiation of appropriate anti-stroke treatment offers hope for recovery and independence.
Symptoms of stroke include:
- sudden, rapid onset of sensory disturbances of various parts of the body (upper limbs, lower limbs or half of the face),
- sudden weakening of muscular strength,
- complete lack of sensation,
- severe, acute, sudden headache and dizziness,
- nausea, vomiting,
- sudden vision problems or visual disturbances,
- salivation,
- problems with swallowing and swallowing,
- problems with speaking, pronouncing words, understanding others, babbling/unintelligible speech.
Stroke, photo: pantherstock
Stroke - risk factors
The most important risk factors for stroke are divided into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
Non-modifiable stroke factors include:
- age,
- gender,
- genetic predisposition.
Modifiable factors of stroke include:
- hypertension,
- lipid disorders,
- cardiovascular problems,
- diabetes,
- excessively high cholesterol levels,
- obesity,
- various types of stimulants,
- unhealthy lifestyles,
- infections.
