Strokes are more common in men than women.
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain suddenly stops or is interrupted. Stroke is when brain cells become damaged or die when they do not receive oxygen and nutrients that the blood supplies it with.
Strokes vary in their severity depending on where the stroke occurs and the extent of the damage. Sometimes the damage can be so severe that unconsciousness and death occurs very quickly. In stark contrast a small, minor stroke may not even be recognized as their duration and symptoms are so minimal.
Causes of stroke (CVA)
Strokes have two main causes:
Signs and Symptoms of stroke
The symptoms of a stroke include:
Treatment of Stroke
Strokes have a number of causes and the cause will often dictate the initial treatment. Hemorrhagic stroke may require surgical intervention to stop the bleeding in the brain.
The aim of any treatment is to help aid recovery by treating any underlying cause, to reduce disability and to prevent recurrence. This is achieved through;
Prescribed drugs. The type of drug prescribed will depend on the cause of the stroke. Drugs range through anticoagulants (to thin the blood), medications to reduce blood pressure if it is high etc.
Because strokes can potentially affect many/all parts of the body a multidisciplinary team approach involving caregivers, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech therapists and physiotherapists will maximize the treatment and rehabilitation process.
Prognosis following a stroke
People who survive a stroke can be left with temporary or permanent disabilities. This can include paralysis on one side of the body or a limb, an inability to speak, read and write, understand what is being said.
People who have suffered a stroke may have difficulty controlling their emotions, their emotions are described as 'labile'. Depression is a common feature especially when profound disabilities remain.
About 25 percent of people who recover from their first stroke will have another stroke within 5 years.