What is Stroke Care?
Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage or a burst blood vessel. Immediate and specialized care is crucial for minimizing brain damage, improving recovery outcomes, and reducing the risk of long-term disability. Stroke care involves timely diagnosis, intervention, and rehabilitation. Acute care focuses on stabilizing the patient, restoring blood flow, and managing symptoms such as paralysis, speech difficulties, and cognitive impairments.
Causes of Stroke:
- A blood clot or plaque buildup narrows or blocks a blood vessel, reducing blood flow to the brain.
- Common causes include atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and blood clots formed in the heart due to irregular heart rhythms (e.g., atrial fibrillation).
- Common causes include high blood pressure, aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
- TIAs are often caused by small blood clots or narrowing of blood vessels and are a warning sign of an impending major stroke.
- Age and Family History: Older adults and those with a family history of stroke are at higher risk.
Symptoms of Stroke:
- A sudden, intense headache with no known cause, sometimes accompanied by vomiting or dizziness.
- Difficulty remembering things, becoming easily confused, or having trouble with concentration.
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
