Woodcrest Rehabilitation & Residential Health Care
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Medical Notes on Strokes

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a life-threatening event in which the brain's oxygen supply is cut off. A stroke can affect the senses, speech, behavior, thought patterns, and memory. It may also result in paralysis, coma, and death.

What causes a stroke?

A stroke occurs when an artery to the brain bursts or becomes clogged. Brain tissue deprived of oxygen dies within minutes. High blood pressure, as well as the build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries, increases the risk of stroke.

What happens when a stroke occurs?

A stroke may happen suddenly, but it often follows years of a slow buildup of fatty deposits inside the blood vessels. A small percentage of strokes are preceded by TIAs. These mini strokes can occur days, weeks or even months before a major stroke. TIAs frequently last less than 5 minutes, with symptoms similar to a full-fledged stroke.

Damage caused by a stroke is usually limited to one side of the brain. Each half of the brain controls functions on the opposite side of the body. Whichever side of the brain effected by the stroke, symptoms appear on the opposite side of the body. The specific physical and mental functions disrupted by a stroke are determined by the affected portions of the brain.

Can people recover from a stroke?

The degree of recovery from a stroke varies greatly. Some people make a good recovery with little or no lasting effects, while others may be affected for the rest of their lives. The degree of success depends a good deal upon prompt treatment to minimize the brain damage. Damaged nerve and brain tissue does not regenerate, but other parts of the brain may be trained to take over the functions of the damaged area.

What are symptoms of a stroke?

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm and leg, usually on one side of the body
• Difficulty talking or understanding speech
• Dimness or loss of vision, particularly in only one eye
• Unexplained dizziness
• Sudden, severe headache

How can a stroke be avoided?

• Check blood pressure regularly, keeping it under control
• Eat a well-balanced diet; low in saturated fats and cholesterol
• If you have diabetes, keep it well under control; this is a high risk factor
• No Smoking
• Alcohol in moderation
• Ask your doctor about taking low doses of aspirin

More Information about Strokes..

Disclaimer: The following sites are suggested resources for learning more about healthy aging and elder care. CFW Healthcare Group does not endorse any of these sites. We include them as references for those who wish to find more information.

www.stroke.org
The National Stroke Association's guidelines on prevention, treatment, and rehab to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke.

www.strokeassociation.org
Every 53 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. The American Stroke Association offers warning signs of stroke and an A-Z guide to heart and stroke. Learn about prevention, treatment, and services to stroke victims.

www.biausa.org Brain Injury Association of America

Additional Information of Interest..

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