Stroke Symptoms To Watch Out For
Stroke Symptoms are important to identify and discuss with your doctor. Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. The symptoms of a stroke can be recognized by a physician, within ten minutes, if they arise. Unfortunately, far too many people ignore their symptoms and wait until it is too late to help them. It is important to remember that the first indication of a stroke that occurs is a loss of memory, followed by a decrease in the ability to function normally.
One of the most common stroke symptoms is called ischemic stroke. It is caused when the blood flow to the brain becomes compromised, resulting in less blood reaching the brain cells. A decreased blood flow means there is not enough blood for the brain to work properly. This can also cause seizures, paralysis, or even death. These complications usually occur when the head is hit; when the artery becomes occluded (not clotting up) or when a blood clot develops in the brain, blocking off the flow of blood.
The most common type of ischemic stroke is called hemorrhagic stroke. It is caused by a blood clot (thrombus) that forms in a blood vessel near the brain, preventing blood from reaching the brain cells. As a result, the person can no longer process messages to trigger movement or taste, thus leading to severe muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing and moving of the body.
Another ischemic stroke treatment is called tissue plasminogen activator. It is a medication that causes the body to make more of the plasminogen protein, which helps to reduce the symptoms of ischemic stroke. Tissue plasminogen activator is taken four to five hours before symptoms begin to appear. Usually, this medication is taken twice a day, with breakfast and lunch. This medication should not be used for children or pregnant women. Some of the side effects of tissue plasminogen activator include muscle weakness, vomiting, dizziness, leg pain, leg cramps, difficulty breathing, headache, nasal irritation, swelling of the legs and feet, lightheadedness and skin rash.
Another treatment for ischemic stroke is the temporary use of transdermal glucocorticoids. Transdermal glucocorticoids help to control symptoms of temporary ischemic attack go away. They do this by slowing down the process of glycolysis, the process in which glucose is broken down into fatty acids. Insulin resistance, another important factor in the development of stroke, may increase the likelihood of developing a stroke when a person does not take excess insulin. Therefore, the use of transdermal glucocorticoids may help to prevent the progression of diabetes.
The third type of treatment for ischemic stroke is rehabilitation. Rehabilitation therapy is focused on improving the function of the brain so that it can better protect the brain from future injury or disease. Often a patient will need to relearn how to perform activities that they have lost, such as playing a game or taking a bath. Rehabilitation therapy also includes the use of medications that can help to block the formation of blood clots that may cause a stroke.
In addition to therapy, sometimes surgery may be necessary to help reduce the chance of strokes. Stroke surgery is performed to remove part of the clot that may have formed inside a blood vessel or to repair a blood vessel that has been blocked by plaque. Sometimes both of these steps are necessary. Doctors sometimes prefer to perform a catheterization surgery instead of invasive surgery if there is little risk involved with the procedure. If the doctor determines that your symptoms are due to ischemic stroke, he may recommend a procedure called an arterial occlusion.
If you suffer from ischemic strokes, you will most likely also experience short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating and a decrease in speech fluency. However, there are many other signs that could indicate the onset of long-term brain damage such as severe headaches, a stiff neck or even paralysis. Long-term effects of a stroke can also include hearing problems, blurred vision, problems with speech or swallowing. It is important to immediately notify your doctor of any of these signs so that you can get the treatment that you need.
