What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is
interrupted. This can happen when a blood vessel in the brain
bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), or when there is some type of blockage
that cuts off blood supply (ischemic stroke). When brain cells are
deprived of oxygen, they die.
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
Stroke symptoms generally come on suddenly and can include:
- Difficulty seeing from one or both eyes
- Numbness of the face, arms, or legs, especially on one
side
- Severe headache
- Difficulty walking
- Dizziness, loss of coordination and balance
- Confusion
- Difficulty with talking
What is a mini-stroke?
A mini-stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA),
starts like a stroke but resolves within an hour or so without any
residual effects. A TIA usually lasts for a few minutes, but there
is no way to tell at the beginning if a person is having a stroke
or a mini-stroke. According to the National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 33 percent of the
approximately 50,000 people who have mini-strokes every year will
later have a more severe stroke. Therefore, TIAs should be
considered warnings.
If these symptoms appear, and there is any idea that they are
being caused by a stroke, it is very important to get immediate
medical help.
What are the risk factors for stroke?
Some factors cannot be modified (such as age), while others can
(smoking). Risks include:
- Age
- Family stroke history
- Sex
- Race or ethnicity
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Smoking (both tobacco and marijuana)
- Blood cholesterol levels
- Drug abuse
- Obesity
How are mini-strokes treated?
After examination by a doctor, and depending upon the medical
history of the person, suggested treatments could include drugs or
surgery in order to reduce the risk of having a full-blown stroke.
Drug treatment could include antiplatelets, especially aspirin.
Other people who have an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
may get prescriptions for anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin
(warfarin).
How can acute future stroke risk be decreased?
- If you smoke, stop.
- Treat high blood pressure.
- Eat a balanced diet in order to reach and maintain a healthy
weight.
- Stop drinking alcohol, except in moderation.
- Exercise.