Stroke symptoms can be the result of any one of a large number of diseases or conditions, but they most often are the result of a blood clot (thrombus) in the brain. Sometimes these symptoms are also caused by a lack of blood circulation to the area of the brain that is affected, and sometimes they are caused by a combination of both. Often, the symptoms are only noticed after a stroke has taken place, and in that case, it is crucial that the doctor is aware of any changes in the patient’s behavior, mental state and overall health since they might indicate something life-threatening.
One of the first signs that could indicate the onset of a stroke is sudden numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. This is especially true in the extremities – the hands and feet. Since the brain is in close contact with these areas, the lack of blood flow to these places can have dire consequences. Sudden numbness may also occur in the face, and in some cases the lack of circulation in the face can make the patient look as if they are not wearing any makeup at all. The onset of facial paralysis, which is a term for the condition of the face muscles unable to contract in response to commands, is also a symptom of stroke.
Another sign that your doctor should be aware of is a gradual loss of strength on one side of the body. This weakness on one side of the body can be accompanied by difficulty walking, which is another symptom of stroke. When this occurs, the patient may begin to lose weight, and tend to wander. If the loss of strength continues, it is essential that the patient see the doctor immediately because it may indicate the presence of a more serious problem.
A sensation of weakness or dizziness is also a symptom of stroke. This symptom can be mild, moderate, or severe, and it can disappear for several days to several weeks. This type of short-term weakness can be caused by many things, including: a temporary blood clot (thrombosis), or a temporary decrease in the blood flow to the brain (stroke). Temporary visual disturbances are also a common symptom of stroke. If a patient begins to have blurred vision, they should mention this to their doctor. Often, however, these symptoms do not go away on their own and must be treated.
Weakness in the legs or arms is another very common symptom. In the United States, up to 75% of the population experience a loss of sensation in one or both legs on at least one occasion. This is often caused by poor circulation in the legs. There are several reasons why circulation in the lower limbs can be affected: a fracture of a vertebra, damage to blood vessels near the extremities (such as a collapsed spinal column), or as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, blood flow problems may be caused by the thinning of the skin or the wearing down of nerve tissue.
The third common sign is a change in behavior, including difficulty walking, inability to maintain balance, or becoming fidgety. Stroke symptoms that signal the development of ischemic strokes are those that cause pain or numbness, loss of movement, or both. Some people may experience only one or two of these symptoms. Those who experience more than two or three are at high risk for stroke.
Other warning signs that indicate the development of ischemic stroke include the appearance of new blood clots in the brain, known as a stroke survivor’s symptom. These clots occur in the arteries that transport blood from the heart to the brain. Although most of the blood that leaves the heart is pumped to the brain, some blood becomes trapped in the arteries and, in time, becomes a plaque. A person who has suffered a stroke in this manner has an increased risk of developing a cerebrovascular accident, which can be life-threatening.
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a buildup of plaques in the arteries. Plaque build-up can result from any number of causes, including poor oral health care, atherosclerosis (a condition that develops over time), certain drugs, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. If this build-up is not treated, it thickens and forms a hard cover, choking off blood flow. As more plaques accumulate and form clots, blood flow is reduced, resulting in decreased oxygenation to the brain and severe neurological damage, or even death.
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