Understanding Stroke

A stroke is a medical condition caused by limited blood flow to the brain resulting in cell death. There are two major types of stroke, namely; ischemic stroke, due to blockage of blood flow, and hemorrhagic, due to rupture of a blood vessel. This result in part of the brain affected not functioning properly. Signs and symptoms of a stroke may include; inability to move limbs or feel on one side of the body, problems understanding or speaking, dizziness or loss of vision to one size severe headache among others. The signs and symptoms often appear soon after the stroke has occurred. If symptoms last less than one or two hours it is known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. A hemorrhagic stroke may also be associated with a headache. The effects of stroke can be permanent Long-term complications and may include; pneumonia, loss of bladder control and bowl control which are impaired Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).The main risk factors for stroke include; high blood pressure, obesity high blood cholesterol,diabetes mellitus, tobbaco smoking, a previous TIA, and atrial fibrillation.