Critical Stroke Symptoms: 5 Key Indicators to Look Out For

Nothing could be more intimidating than losing your bodily functions to a stroke, which makes you completely dependent on others. Defined as the most potent inhibitor of human freedom, stroke is the world’s second-most prevalent cause of death and tops the list of the world’s most debilitating diseases. Stroke treatment is easily available worldwide, but it is always better to prevent its onset by leading a healthy lifestyle.

ARTICLE: Before discussing stroke symptoms, stroke treatment, stroke management, early signs of stroke, and treatment for stroke patients, let us take a look at the definition of stroke.

STROKE: An incapacitating occurrence, a stroke is marked by an unexpected blood flow or blockage of blood to the brain. Stroke is of two types: ischemic and haemorrhagic, the former characterized by blockage and the latter by sudden bleeding. A majority of strokes are ischemic. A haemorrhagic stroke can damage the brain cells.

CAUSES OF STROKE:

Several reasons can be cited for stroke including high cholesterol levels, and high BP. A blood clot or narrowed arteries are among other reasons for stroke.

SIGNS OF STROKE:

Signs of stroke include:

1. An unbearable and sudden headache
2. Numbness in the limbs and face on one side
3. Confusion
4. Hazy vision in one or both eyes
5. Unsteady gait

Early signs of stroke include:

1. Facial asymmetry
2. Sick feeling
3. Trouble speaking or understanding
4. Trouble with expressing one’s emotions
5. Inability to make decisions

Early signs of stroke could also include episodes of seizures and issues with swallowing.

STROKE SYMPTOMS:

Stroke symptoms also include:

1. Paralysis, or the inability to move an arm or leg
2. Nausea
3. Loss of consciousness
4. Alterations in bowel movement and bladder control
5. Mood swings

RISK FACTORS: A sedentary lifestyle tops the list of conditions that make people vulnerable to suffering a stroke. Other factors include:

1. Sickle cell anaemia (in children)
2. Stress
3. Obesity
4. Hypertension
5. Drug addiction
6. Diabetes
7. Cardiovascular disease
8. Cigarette smoking

STROKE MANAGEMENT: Stroke management is an integral part of stroke treatment. Stroke management includes various steps aimed at assessing the problem, which is an absolute must for the treatment of stroke patients.

Stroke management begins with basic steps such as calling the emergency services or an ambulance as soon as you come across any signs and symptoms among your kin or others around you. Besides noting the time of the occurrence of the stroke, it is advisable to prevent the affected person from eating or drinking anything, including medicines, as this could be potentially life-threatening. Do not allow the affected person to go to sleep. Consult a doctor immediately.

TREATMENT OF STROKE PATIENTS:

Act FAST!

FAST is the formula to identify the occurrence of a stroke in a person. FAST stands for

Facial weakness
Arm Weakness
Speech problems
Time to call an ambulance

Once with a doctor, he will run some assessments to identify the kind of stroke before starting treatment of stroke patients. In the case of a haemorrhagic stroke, the doctor might administer or prescribe medicines to lower the blood pressure and relieve the stress on your brain and blood vessels.

As far as an ischemic stroke is concerned, tPA is administered to remove blood clots to ensure a smooth flow of blood to the brain. Angioplasty can also be performed in cases of serious blockage.

CONCLUSIONS: The best way to treat a stroke is through a lifestyle that involves a healthy diet, regular sleep, and exercise. Choose life and freedom instead of stroke, which can kill more than just your body.