What is stroke?

Stroke is a pathological condition that occurs when blood is occluded in a part of the brain. The lack of oxygen damages the brain cells that can have potentially disabling effects on the patient. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. A stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications.

The good news is that strokes can be treated and prevented.

A stroke may be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people may experience only a temporary disruption of blood flow to their brain (transient ischemic attack, or TIA).

Before a stroke prevails, certain signs and symptoms occur in the underlying patient which includes;

Trouble with speaking and understanding. You may experience confusion. You may slur your words or have difficulty understanding speech.

Paralysis or numbness of the face, arms or legs. You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg, especially on one side of your body. Try to raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a stroke. Similarly, one side of your mouth may droop when you try to smile.

You may stumble or experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.

These are some few ways stroke can be treated or prevented.

Obesity, as well as the complications linked to it (including high blood pressure and diabetes), raises your odds of having a stroke. If you're overweight, losing as little as 10 pounds can have a real impact on your stroke risk.

Exercise contributes to losing weight and lowering blood pressure, but it also stands on its own as an independent stroke reducer.

Reduction of intake of alcohol.

Reducing your sugar intake. Having high blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, making clots more likely to form inside them

Quit smoking. Smoking accelerates clot formation in a couple of different ways. It thickens your blood, and it increases the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries.