To the average person, a can simply appear confused or lost. They may appear dazed, not responding to questions, but may be trying to reach out for help. These symptoms may be a stroke, and is considered a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.
Significance
According to the National Institutes of Health, stroke is the "third leading cause of death in the United States," however, if treatment is sought early--within the first hour of the "brain attack"--serious disabilities can sometimes be averted. It is important to be aware of signs and symptoms of a stroke in order to seek prompt medical attention for the stroke victim, as brain cells begin to die the moment the attack begins.
Symptoms
Strokes occur when oxygen flow is interrupted to the brain or a blood vessel breaks in brain. Symptoms of stroke are clearly defined as they happen suddenly, and can include slurred speech, dizziness, difficulty walking or focusing, confusion, vision impairment, weakness in limbs and face, especially on one side, and sudden and extreme headache. Generally, more than one symptom appears during a stroke.
Considerations
Factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, genetics, excessive use of alcohol and unhealthy cholesterol levels can increase the potential for stroke, and can be indicators of symptoms leading to stroke. It is important to understand the risk factors and, if possible, make efforts to correct lifestyle habits that may heighten your chances for stroke.
Types
There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Both are life-threatening. Of the more common ischemic type, there exists the trans-ischemic attack, which can lead to a massive stroke or, eventually, dementia. Often the attack goes unnoticed, yet impairs functions. The hemorrhagic stroke occurs in about 20 percent of stroke cases and is defined as bleeding in or on the brain, resulting when an artery bursts in the brain.
Effects
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, "about 700,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke each year." Of that number, nearly 4 million victims are left with a disability from the attack. Stroke is considered a "disease of the brain" but it affects the whole person. Because of the impaired state of being for the majority of victims after stroke, they suffer not only physically but emotionally as well.
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