Stroke free essay sample

A stroke can cause memory loss, speech impairment, reasoning ability, loss of vision, paralysis, coma, and death, depending on what region of the brain is affected. Strokes are considered to be medical emergencies that require immediate treatment. About one third of strokes can be followed by transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes). These strokes temporarily interrupt blood flow to the brain and cause similar symptoms like sudden vision loss or temporary weakness in a limb. Quick treatment can improve the chances of survival and increase the degree of recovery. A person who may have suffered a stroke should be seen in a hospital emergency room immediately. To be most effective, blood clot prevention treatment should begin within three hours of a stroke. More than half a million people in the United States experience a new or recurrent stroke each year. Three million Americans are currently permanently disabled from stroke. Stroke is the leading cause of disability. We will write a custom essay sample on Stroke or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke kills about 150, 000 Americans each year. Two thirds of strokes occur in people over age 65. Research shows that strokes affect men more often than women for some reason, although women are more likely to die from a stroke. Contributing factors in these types of strokes are usually atherosclerosis or hypertension. Risk factors for stroke involve sex, age, diseases, heredity, lifestyle choices and medical conditions. Men are more likely to have a stroke than women. The risk of stroke increases with age, doubling each decade after the age of 55. People with heart disease, diabetes, prior stroke or high blood pressure are at greater risk for stroke. People with a family history of stroke are at an increased risk of stroke. Patients with one or more transient ischemic attacks have ten times the risk of stroke. Stroke risk increases with high blood cholesterol, high red blood cell count, and obesity. African-Americans, Asians, and Hispanics all have higher rates of stroke than whites, in relation to higher blood pressure, for some reason. Stroke risk also increases with cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, cocaine and intravenous drug usage. Causes and symptoms: Study shows that there are four main forms of stroke: cerebral embolism, cerebral thrombosis, intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral thrombosis and cerebral embolism are known as ischemic strokes. They are caused by blood clots that block an artery supplying the brain. They can be in the neck or in the brain. These strokes account for seventy to eighty percent of all strokes. Intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage are hemorrhagic strokes that occur when a blood vessel bursts in or around the brain. They are caused by excessive internal pressure or trauma. Symptoms : Knowing the symptoms of a stroke is very important. Patients with symptoms of stroke should seek emergency treatment immediately. Certain symptoms of a stroke depends on the type of stroke. However, there are some characteristics that are common with all types of stroke. symptoms of a thrombotic stroke are more gradual while, an embolic stroke usually occurs suddenly may be very intense from the start. These ischemic strokes may include syptoms like decreased vision or blurring in both or one eye, severe headaches, numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm, and legs (usually occurring on one side of the body) dizziness, along with loss of balance and coordination. Though, hemorrhagic strokes are different. Symptoms of a subarachnoid hemorrhage include severe headache that begins suddenly, vomiting, nausea, stiff neck, light intolerance and loss of consciousness. An intracranial hemorrhage may exhibit extreme hypertension, loss of consciousness, paralysis (especially on one side of the body), seizure, vomiting, severe nausea, altered mental state weakness, numbness, severe or sudden headache. Diagnosis Diagnosing a stroke usually begins with a careful medical history, especially concerning the distribution and onset of the symptoms and the presence of risk factors, so that other possible causes are excluded. Performing a brief neurological exam may be used to identify the location and degree of any deficits, such as vision loss, weakness, or lack of coordination. Once stroke is suspected imaging technology is used to determine which type of stroke the patient has suffered. Blood and urine tests are run to look for abnormalities. A non contrast computed tomography scan (CT scan) is used to identify hemorrhagic strokes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect ischemic strokes, caused by blood clots, earlier and more reliably than CT scanning. Other investigations include electrocardiogram, angiography, ultrasound, and electroencephalogram. Prevention: The risks of stroke can be reduced through daily, basic lifestyle changes. These changes include getting regular exercise, stop smoking, controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol and drug consumption, getting regular checkups, following a nutricious diet and taking the required medications to prevent the risks of stroke. Research shows that treatment of atrial fibrillation may also significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Warfarin (Coumadin) has also been proven to be more effective than aspirin for those with higher risk of stroke.