Stroke and TIA
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke is caused by
the total obstruction (blocking) of any artery
that delivers blood to the brain. It may also be
caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the
brain, followed by bleeding into the brain tissue.
In either case, the
nerve cells in the brain are damaged. Since the
brain is responsible for the control of all body
functions, some of these functions may be lost due
to the nerve cell damage.
Major risk factors
Hypertension (high
blood pressure) is a major risk factor for the
development of strokes. Other risk factors for
stroke include a high-fat diet, smoking, and
heredity.
What Are the Effects of Stroke?
The effects of stroke
depend upon what part of the brain has been
damaged. They may be slight or severe, temporary
or permanent. People who have had a stroke may
experience the following symptoms:
-
Weakness, numbness,
or loss of function of face, arm, or leg
especially on one side of the body,
-
Memory loss,
-
Problems speaking or
understanding speech,
-
Loss of balance or
coordination,
-
Difficulty
swallowing,
-
Personality changes,
-
Loss of
bowel/bladder control,
-
Sudden blurred or
decreased vision in one or both eyes,
-
Sudden severe
headache.
Diagnosis
The physician may
order several tests to diagnose the cause of the
stroke. Tests can include an MRI or CAT scan,
which are used to see the brain tissue, identify
where the damage has occurred, and, possibly,
identify the cause of the stroke. An ultrasound
test (Doppler) can often identify blocked arteries
that could be reducing blood flow to the brain.
Treatment
Treatment
for a stroke may include the following:
-
Medications that
dissolve blood clots or prevent new ones from
forming;
-
Surgery to remove
blood clots, prevent bleeding, or, in some
cases, to re-open the blocked arteries; and,
-
A rehabilitation
program at a special facility or in the
patient’s home to help recovery.
Can Another Stroke Be Prevented?
You may prevent a
stroke by modifying the risk factors. Good health
habits will help prevent future strokes. Here are
some steps you can take to prevent another stroke.
- Follow your
physician’s orders for taking medicine.
- Eat a low-fat,
low-cholesterol, low-salt diet.
- Keep your blood
pressure under control.
- Maintain a normal
weight.
- Get regular
check-ups.
- Do not use tobacco
products.
What are Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)?
Transient ischemic
attacks are episodes in which the symptoms of a
stroke develop, but then disappear within a few
minutes of a few hours. TIAs may be a warning that
a permanent stroke could occur.
It is very important
to call 911 whenever you experience any stroke
symptoms.
Most TIAs are caused
by partial blockage of arteries in the neck. As
small blood clots attempt to pass through these
partially blocked carotid arteries, they may
become temporarily lodged in that area,
temporarily preventing blood flow to a part of the
brain. As the blood flow is restored, the symptoms
the patient may experience generally disappear
without any permanent damage.
A surgical procedure
called an "endarterectomy" may be done
to remove the fatty substance (plaque) formed on
the walls of the artery. By removing this partial
blockage, a larger and more permanent stroke may
be prevented.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
|
