Stroke

When someone has a stroke, the blood flow to part of the brain stops or is dramatically reduced. Stroke is a leading cause of impairment in older adults. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

There are two types of strokes. An ischemic stroke is caused when a blood clot blocks an artery or vessel in your brain. Eighty percent of strokes are ischemic. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and bleeds in the brain. During a stroke, cells in the brain do not get the oxygen and nutrients they need and start to die.

Treatment

In recent years, treatments have been developed to help reduce the damage that strokes cause. Emergency room care for a stroke is very important. Early care can reduce damage to your brain and lessen the effects of stroke. Best results are obtained when treatment is begun within minutes to an hour of the stroke. Medications that dissolve blood clots that are blocking the flow of blood in the brain can be used for ischemic strokes. Recognizing the warning signs of stroke and seeking treatment early can greatly reduce the chances of permanent damage.

The damage that is caused may impair your ability to function normally. What kind of impairment and how severe it is depends on what part of the brain is damaged. Brain cells that are destroyed by a stroke do not grow back; however, the brain can adapt. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy can help people relearn some of skills that are lost. The aim of these therapies is to help you care for yourself.

Preventive Care for Stroke

There are certain factors that can increase your risk for stroke. Some factors can be controlled and some cannot. Controlling these factors can help prevent stroke:

• High blood pressure. Have your blood pressure measured, and if it is high, take steps to control it.

• Diabetes. Keep your blood sugar under control.

• Smoking. If you use tobacco, stop.

• Coronary artery disease. If you have CAD, especially a history of heart attack, manage it. Modify your diet, be active, and take your medications exactly the way they are prescribed by your doctor.

• Transient ischemic attacks (TIA). A TIA is a "mini-stroke." It has the same symptoms of a stroke but lasts less than 24 hours. If you experience these, do not ignore them. They can be treated with medications or surgery.

• Atrial Fibrillation. If you have this kind of abnormal heart rhythm, follow medical advice to manage it. You may need blood-thinning medication.

• Carotid artery disease. The carotids supply blood to the brain. If one or both of these arteries is narrowed by plaque or other damage, you may need surgery.

• High Cholesterol. Have your blood lipids checked. You may need to modify you diet or take medicine.

• Excessive alcohol consumption (more than two drinks a day for men under age 65 and more than 1 drink a day for women and men over the age of 65). Take steps to eliminate excessive use.

• Inadequate physical activity. Follow medical advice for an exercise regimen.

• Obesity. You should maintain a Body Mass Index between 18.5 and 25.