Stroke
DEFINITION
A Stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs when the
blood supply to part of the brain is insufficient, causing an area
of brain damage.
blood supply to part of the brain is insufficient, causing an area
of brain damage.
DESCRIPTION
A Stroke occurs when a blood vessel leading to the brain
either becomes blocked or bursts. The part of the brain normally
fed by the blood vessel becomes starved of oxygen, and stops
functioning. The effects of a Stroke can vary from mild to very
severe, depending on the size and location of the blood vessels
involved. The damage caused by a minor Stroke may be limited to
droopy facial muscles or slightly slurred speech, while a major
Stroke can cause paralysis, dementia, coma or death. The two main
types of Stroke are cerebral infarction, caused by a blocked blood
vessel, and cerebral haemorrhage, caused by a bleeding blood
vessel.
either becomes blocked or bursts. The part of the brain normally
fed by the blood vessel becomes starved of oxygen, and stops
functioning. The effects of a Stroke can vary from mild to very
severe, depending on the size and location of the blood vessels
involved. The damage caused by a minor Stroke may be limited to
droopy facial muscles or slightly slurred speech, while a major
Stroke can cause paralysis, dementia, coma or death. The two main
types of Stroke are cerebral infarction, caused by a blocked blood
vessel, and cerebral haemorrhage, caused by a bleeding blood
vessel.
Cerebral infarction makes up 85% of all Strokes. Blood vessels may
become blocked as a result of atherosclerosis, where a fatty plaque
develops inside the vessel. Another method of blockage is a blood
clot travelling to the brain from elsewhere in the body (an
embolism).
become blocked as a result of atherosclerosis, where a fatty plaque
develops inside the vessel. Another method of blockage is a blood
clot travelling to the brain from elsewhere in the body (an
embolism).
Cerebral haemorrhage occurs in 15% of cases. It may be the
result of untreated hypertension (high blood pressure) or a burst
aneurysm (a bulge in the blood vessel). A severe bleed may be
instantly fatal, while multiple small bleeds may cause a gradual
decline in brain function over an extended period of time.
result of untreated hypertension (high blood pressure) or a burst
aneurysm (a bulge in the blood vessel). A severe bleed may be
instantly fatal, while multiple small bleeds may cause a gradual
decline in brain function over an extended period of time.
CAUSE
Factors that increase the risk of Stroke include hypertension
(high blood pressure), heart disease, atherosclerosis, smoking,
diabetes mellitus, high blood cholesterol and triglycerides, high
alcohol intake, obesity and lack of exercise.
(high blood pressure), heart disease, atherosclerosis, smoking,
diabetes mellitus, high blood cholesterol and triglycerides, high
alcohol intake, obesity and lack of exercise.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the Stroke.
Some may be so mild that they go unnoticed, while others can be
severe. Emergency medical attention should be sought if any of the
following symptoms are present:
Some may be so mild that they go unnoticed, while others can be
severe. Emergency medical attention should be sought if any of the
following symptoms are present:
- Sudden numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one
side of the body - Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or
collapse - Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a temporary condition
that produces symptoms identical to a Stroke. TIAs usually last for
less than an hour and the person does not lose consciousness. The
symptoms disappear once the TIA is over. Unlike a Stroke, a TIA
does not cause permanent brain damage. However, a TIA is a warning
sign that the blood flow to the brain is impaired in some way.
Urgent medical attention should be obtained to prevent a Stroke
from occurring.
that produces symptoms identical to a Stroke. TIAs usually last for
less than an hour and the person does not lose consciousness. The
symptoms disappear once the TIA is over. Unlike a Stroke, a TIA
does not cause permanent brain damage. However, a TIA is a warning
sign that the blood flow to the brain is impaired in some way.
Urgent medical attention should be obtained to prevent a Stroke
from occurring.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all medical conditions your Doctor should be
consulted. It is advisable for people over 50 years of age to have
regular medical check-ups. Your Doctor can tell you if you are at
risk of a Stroke and how to best prevent it. If a Stroke occurs,
surgery may be needed to either clear a blocked blood vessel or
stop any bleeding. A Doctor may refer a Stroke patient to a
Physiotherapist or Occupational and Speech therapist, to help with
the rehabilitation process.
consulted. It is advisable for people over 50 years of age to have
regular medical check-ups. Your Doctor can tell you if you are at
risk of a Stroke and how to best prevent it. If a Stroke occurs,
surgery may be needed to either clear a blocked blood vessel or
stop any bleeding. A Doctor may refer a Stroke patient to a
Physiotherapist or Occupational and Speech therapist, to help with
the rehabilitation process.
DIET HINTS
See the Stroke Diet and Atherosclerosis Diet topics on the
Healthpoint for detailed information.
Healthpoint for detailed information.
- Recent clinical data suggests that a diet high in red and
processed meats, white flour, sweets and desserts may increase
Stroke risk, whereas a diet higher in fruits and vegetables, fish
and whole grains may protect against Stroke. - A high dietary intake of wholegrain foods reduces the risk of
Stroke. Dark breads (e.g. rye bread), brown rice and Wholegrain
cereals such as cooked oats (porridge) are good sources of
Wholegrains. - Foods high in vitamin C are recommended for Stroke prevention.
Good sources of vitamin C include fruit (especially citrus fruits),
berry fruits, vegetables and sprouted seeds.
PREVENTION
The following hints can reduce the risk of Stroke.
- Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for Stroke, heart
and lung disease and cancer. - Have your blood pressure checked yearly, or more often if you
have hypertension. - Have your blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels
checked, and follow medical advice if your levels are too
high. - Exercise regularly. See the Exercising for Health topic for
more information. - Avoid obesity. See the Weight Loss Diet for further
advice. - Keep alcohol intake to within recommended limits: no more than
four standard drinks per day for men, and no more than two for
women. - Half an aspirin tablet per day (80-160 mg) may reduce blood
clotting and decrease the risk of Stroke. Check with your Doctor
before commencing aspirin.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.
unless specified by a Doctor.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
- Vitamin C may reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels and can
prevent their oxidation. - Vitamin E may prevent LDL oxidation and may act as a
natural blood thinner. - Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation in the arteries and
lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. - Garlic may reduce cholesterol levels and increases HDL
cholesterol. - Ginkgo biloba may assist prevention of stroke as it has blood
thinning and anti-oxidant properties. - Hawthorn may assist n preserving blood vessel integrity
following transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
MEDICAL TERMS
Haemorrhage: Bleeding.
Infarction: Tissue death caused by lack of blood supply.
Triglycerides: The type of fat stored in the body and present
in the bloodstream.
in the bloodstream.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the National Stroke Foundation topic on the
Healthpoint.
Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- Anti-smoking products can help reduce cravings if you are
trying to quit. Ask your Pharmacist for advice. - Half an aspirin tablet once a day may help lower the risk of
Stroke. Check with your Pharmacist or Doctor before commencing
aspirin. - Ask your Pharmacist for advice about obesity and weight
management. - Consider a blood pressure monitor for home use. Your Pharmacist
can show you how to use it. - Consider some nutritional supplements if the diet is
inadequate. - A wide range of home health appliances is available to help
with lifestyle changes following a Stroke. See the various topics
on the Healthpoint.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.
unless specified by a Doctor.
