Stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is either interrupted or reduced,when this happens the brain does not get enough oxygen or nutrient and brain cells start to die. There are
three types of stroke.
1)Ischemic stroke
2)Hemorrhagic stroke
3.Transient ischemic attacks(TIAs)
*1)Ischemic* *stroke-this* type of stroke is caused by blockages or narrowing of arteries that provide blood to the brain resulting in ischemia:ischemia severely reduce blood flow that damage the brain cells. These blockage are often caused by blood clot, which can form in the brain arteries
They can also be form in other blood vessels in the body before being swept through the bloodstream and into narrower arteries in The brain.Also fatty deposit within the arteries called plague can cause clots that result into ischemia.
*2)Hemorrhagic* *stroke* –
Are caused by arteries in the brain either leaking blood or burst open. Leak blood puts pressure on the brain cells and damage them. It also reduce blood supply that can reach the brain tissue after the hemorrhage.Blood vessel can burst and spill blood into the brain or near the surface of the brain,sending blood into the space between the brain and the skull. The rupture can be caused by condition such as hypertension ,trauma, blood thinning medication and aneurysm: Aneurysms are weakness in the blood vessel walls. There are two types of hemorrhagic stroke
_1)intracerebral_ _hemorrhage_ which is the most common type and occur when brain Tissues become flooded with blood after an artery in the brain burst.
_2)subarachnoid_ _hemorrhage. the_ bleeding occurs in the area btw the brain and the thin tissues that covers it.
*3)Transient* *ischemic* *attacks(TIAs).occurs* when the blood flow to the brain is briefly interrupted. TIAs is similar to ischemic stroke in that they are often caused by blood clots or other clots.
*Symptoms*
Confusion including trouble with speaking and understanding.
Headach
Numbness
Depression
Pain in the hands and feet.
Trouble walking
Dizziness
Lack of Co-ordination.
Bladder and bowel control problem.
Paralysis or weakness on one or both side of the body.
Trouble controlling and expressing emotions.
*Prevention*
The best way to prevent stroke is to address the underlying causes. This is best achieved through lifestyle changes.
Eating healthy diet.
Maintaining healthy weight.
Exercising regularly.
Avoid smoking
Avoid alcohol or drink moderately.
Keep BP under control.
Managing diabetes.
Treating obstructive sleep.
Eating a nutritious diet means including plenty of fruits vegetables, nuts, Legumes.Eat little or no processed meat, limit the intake of cholesterol and saturated fats.minimize salt intake to support healthy blood pressure.
