About this topic
A stroke happens when blood flow does not get to a part of your brain. Then the brain cells in this area start to die. ‚
You may have problems in different areas of your body, based on where the stroke occurs in the brain. Problems could include not being able to move your arms or legs, poor memory, or problems talking or eating. ‚
In a right-side stroke, you have a problem with blood flow to the right side of your brain. This part of your brain controls the left side of your body. ‚
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What are the causes?
There are different ways a stroke can happen: ‚
- A blood clot may block or plug one or more of the vessels that carry blood to the brain. This is an ischemic stroke.
- Blood may leak out of a broken blood vessel in the brain. This is a hemorrhagic stroke.
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Age ¢ ˆ ’ people older than 55 years of age
- Obesity
- Heart problems such as atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat that decreases the blood flow out of the heart, or problems with your heart valves
- Women who use birth control, especially if they are over 35 years old and smoke
- Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
What are the main signs?
- Weakness or numbness of face, arm, or leg, especially on the left side of the body
- Confusion
- Trouble talking or understanding language
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Loss of balance, coordination problems
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble swallowing
- Headache
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam. This will include checking your blood pressure and your nervous system. Your doctor may check for muscle weakness all over. The doctor may also look for any changes in your mental function like confusion or problems with memory. Sometimes, people who have had a stroke have problems talking and understanding words. ‚
Your doctor may order: ‚
- CT scan
- CT angiogram
- MRI scan
- MRA scan
- Heart function tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram
- Doppler ultrasound
- Lab tests
- Tests to check the level of oxygen in the blood
- Tests to check your ability to swallow
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
The treatment depends on the kind of stroke you are having. It is important to: ‚
- Break up the clot if you are having an ischemic stroke
- Stop the bleeding into the brain if you are having a hemorrhagic stroke
- Your doctor will decide if you need surgery. Surgery depends on the kind of stroke you have had and how much injury there is to your brain.
What drugs may be needed?
For ischemic stroke, the doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Dissolve clots. These must be given within the first 1 to 3 hours after a stroke starts.
- Stop new clots from forming. These might be blood thinners, like aspirin.
- Control blood pressure and blood sugar
- Treat any heart problem, like atrial fibrillation
- Lower cholesterol levels
For hemorrhagic stroke, the doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop or slow down the bleeding
- Work against any blood thinner you are taking
- Control blood pressure
- Avoid seizures
Will there be any other care needed?
A rehabilitation or rehab team of staff experts in helping those with stroke will help you slowly get back to doing more for yourself. This staff will help you: ‚
- Move your muscles to help you regain as much movement as possible
- Regain everyday tasks and do self-care
- Improve your swallowing and help you with memory or any problems with speech.
- Learn to control your emotions and adjust to life after a stroke
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- You must quit smoking. Smoking doubles your risk of stroke.
- Keep your blood pressure under control.
- Talk to your doctor about your cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Keep your weight normal. Obesity raises your risk.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Problems taking your drugs
- Trouble moving your bowels or emptying your bladder
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
National Stroke Association ‚
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=EFFECT ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚