Over 795,000 Americans have a stroke annually. Around 185,000 of them, which is almost 1 in 4 people, have experienced a stroke before. To understand this medical emergency, you need to know what’s causing the problem. Including ways to recognize it, so that you can seek on-time treatment. This is what a stroke does to your body.
Stroke – What Is It, Exactly?
When there is a blockage reducing or interrupting the blood supply to the brain, the brain tissues become devoid of nutrients and oxygen. So, the cells start to die and the body has a stroke. This type of medical emergency needs immediate treatment. The sooner you react, the bigger the chances of decreasing brain damage or other serious health complications.
Types of Stroke
A stroke is not a single occurrence. Various types can hinder your recovery and treatment. These include:
- Hemorrhagic – According to experts, 13% of strokes are hemorrhagic strokes. When there is a rupture or a leak in the artery, and that blood leakage is adding pressure to the brain, that’s when a hemorrhagic stroke can occur.
- Ischemic – Most, or 87% of strokes are ischemic strokes. It is the result of a mass or blood clot blocking the blood vessel and hindering circulation.
- Transient ischemic attack – Also known as a mini-stroke, this type of issue is seen as a warning for heart problems. Treating and recognizing the mini-stroke can decrease the possibility of a more serious stroke.
How Does It Feel Like?
This medical emergency is not to be taken lightly. People should pay close attention to their symptoms and contact a specialist the moment they need help. These symptoms include:
- Trouble with pronunciation and talking (slur, extreme confusion, poor speech comprehension)
- Sudden paralysis, weakness, or numbness in one side of the body
- Blurry or darkened vision in both or one eye
- Very uncomfortable headaches paired with an altered state of consciousness, dizziness, and nausea
- Losing balance and coordination
If you spot any of these symptoms, get medical help immediately. The longer the problem remains untreated, the higher the risk for disability and possibly, brain damage. If you are next to someone experiencing a stroke, monitor their health state while you wait for help.
Could It Be Avoided?
Plenty of lifestyle risk factors can increase the likelihood of stroke. Such as binge or heavy drinking, drug abuse, physical inactivity, and obesity. Others, however, may require medicine to manage the problem. These are what we call medical risk factors. For example diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, COVID-19, etc.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/types_of_stroke.htm
https://www.stroke.org/en/professionals/stroke-resource-library/post-stroke-care/the-known-and-unknown-of-stroke-infographic
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
