“You can rise up from anything. You can completely recreate yourself.”
These words mean a lot for a stroke survivor, who has seen his/her life completely shatter in front of them all of a sudden and have been trying to stand back up and face the world again.
A stroke is when blood supply to the brain is interrupted either because of a blood clot or a brain hemorrhage, causing oxygen starvation, brain damage, and loss of function. It can cause permanent damage to the body including partial paralysis and/or impairment in speech and memory.
What are the risk factors of stroke?
Family history
Age
Unhealthy diet
Physical inactivity
Alcohol or tobacco use
High blood pressure or cholesterol
Diabetes
What are the common symptoms of stroke?
Trouble speaking or understanding what other say – You may experience confusion or notice slurred speech
Paralysis or numbness in face, arm or legs – A sudden weakness or numbness which often affects one side of your body
Headache – A severe headache accompanied by vomiting may indicate you’re having a stroke
Trouble walking – You might stumble or lose your balance or notice loss of coordination
When should one visit a doctor?
One should seek immediate medical attention if s/he notices any signs and symptoms of a stroke. Also, by learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. warning signs that can help you save someone’s life
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to call emergency medical help immediately
How is stroke diagnosed?
Once you arrive at the hospital, the doctor will determine what type of stroke you’re having. S/he will also be performing few tests which include:
Blood tests: To check how fast your blood clots, to know your blood sugar levels, and if you are having any sort of infection
Computerized Tomography (CT) scan: Creates a detailed image of the brain which shows any bleeding in the brain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To check if here is any brain tissue or brain cell damage
Echocardiogram (EKG): A simple test to detect the electrical activity of the heart and determine if you are having any heart condition
Cerebral angiogram: This procedure gives a detailed view of the arteries in the brain and neck
What are the preventative steps you can take?
Few lifestyle changes and steps can help you prevent a stroke. Some of them are:
Quit Smoking: Smokers have a higher chance of getting a stroke than non-smokers. If you smoke, you should quit to reduce your chances of a stroke
Take moderate amounts of alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to an increase in blood pressure. If you are a regular or heavy drinker, you should start limiting your intake
Keep a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of stroke. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep a healthy weight
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