Stroke
What is stroke?
Stroke is characterized by brain damage due to bleeding or a loss of blood supply to the brain. This often leads to long-term disability caused by symptoms such as paralysis, trouble swallowing and speaking, and loss of vision. It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, people with stroke have a very high risk of developing a heart attack.
Due to the importance of this condition, it is critical that patients understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment. By the end of this article, you will have the answers to these essential questions:
• What causes stroke?
• How common is stroke?
• What are the symptoms and signs of stroke?
• How is stroke diagnosed?
• How is stroke treated?
What causes …show more content…
• It is considered the 5th leading cause of death in the United States
• Stroke is often caused by a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain usually resulting from ruptured arterial plaques or blood clots traveling to the brain.
• Stroke is also frequently caused by brain bleeds or hemorrhage.
• Risk factors include high blood pressure, advanced age, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and history of previous stroke or heart attack.
• Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a head CT or MRI.
• Complications of stroke include permanent disability, inability to walk or perform daily activities, pneumonia, memory loss and changes in behavior.
• Brain bleeds may require immediate surgery to stop the hemorrhage and prevent brain swelling and damage.
• Ischemic strokes are usually treated with Alteplase.
• Long-term medical therapy for stroke and stroke prevention include antiplatelet agents (Aspirin, Plavix), cholesterol lowering therapy (Lipitor, Pravachol).
• Blood pressure medications such as Zestril and Cozaar may also be beneficial.
• Patients may require physical therapy and speech/swallow
What is stroke?
Stroke is characterized by brain damage due to bleeding or a loss of blood supply to the brain. This often leads to long-term disability caused by symptoms such as paralysis, trouble swallowing and speaking, and loss of vision. It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, people with stroke have a very high risk of developing a heart attack.
Due to the importance of this condition, it is critical that patients understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment. By the end of this article, you will have the answers to these essential questions:
• What causes stroke?
• How common is stroke?
• What are the symptoms and signs of stroke?
• How is stroke diagnosed?
• How is stroke treated?
What causes …show more content…
• It is considered the 5th leading cause of death in the United States
• Stroke is often caused by a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain usually resulting from ruptured arterial plaques or blood clots traveling to the brain.
• Stroke is also frequently caused by brain bleeds or hemorrhage.
• Risk factors include high blood pressure, advanced age, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and history of previous stroke or heart attack.
• Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a head CT or MRI.
• Complications of stroke include permanent disability, inability to walk or perform daily activities, pneumonia, memory loss and changes in behavior.
• Brain bleeds may require immediate surgery to stop the hemorrhage and prevent brain swelling and damage.
• Ischemic strokes are usually treated with Alteplase.
• Long-term medical therapy for stroke and stroke prevention include antiplatelet agents (Aspirin, Plavix), cholesterol lowering therapy (Lipitor, Pravachol).
• Blood pressure medications such as Zestril and Cozaar may also be beneficial.
• Patients may require physical therapy and speech/swallow