The formation of a blood clot or the hindered flow of blood to the brain causes a stroke. This occurrence means that blood can no longer flow to important areas of the brain. Someone experiencing a stroke will begin to show signs immediately. Many are mild and may last for only a few minutes, however some may be severe or the mild symptoms may go on for a longer period of time. If this occurs it is very important to seek out the help of a medical professional immediately. If the stroke is not dealt with in a timely manner, irreversible damage and disability may occur.

What are the signs?

- Severe Headache - Dizziness -Blindness - Inability to speak or understand speech - Numbness or weakness on one side of the body - Tingling in the face, arms or legs.

Risk Factors for Stroke:

- Age: After age 55, the risks double every 10 years. - Family history and ethnicity - Gender: Women are less likely than men to suffer a stroke. - Previous stroke - Atrial Fibrillation - Fractures of the long bone resulting in a fat embolism

Reducing your risks:

Take all medications prescribed by your physician. Monitor blood pressure. Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Quit Smoking. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of exercise.

A CT, MRI or Angiogram is what doctor’s will use in order to determine what type of stroke someone has experienced as well as its location and the extent of damage it has caused.

Treatment involves clot busters, such as tPA that must be given within hours of the onset of symptoms. Surgical intervention is an option for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.

After Stroke care:

Every patient is different and so are recovery times after a stroke has occurred. A timeline can range from a few days to over a year to recover full function. In some cases, the use of physical, occupational and speech therapy may be needed.

Types of Medications:

Anticoagulants - This medication prevents clots from forming in those patients with A-fib. These patients are more prone to clots as they experience continuous contractions of the atria of the heart. Antiplatelets - Another medication which prevents clots from forming by ensuring platelets cannot form together in a cluster - Thrombolytics -This medication breaks up or loosens clots, hence the name “clot buster” which is then carried away by phagocytic cells.

If you have other chronic diseases present such as diabetes or hypertension, keeping these values in the normal range will help to prevent, or lessen the likelihood of a stroke event.

Having an exercise regimen at least three days a week can lower blood pressure. Blood pressure is the number one factor in bringing on a stroke or hemorrhagic strokes.

A healthy diet containing fresh fruits, whole grains and nuts, vegetables and lean meats is another great way to help lessen the risks for stroke.

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