Stroke is considered as a serious condition that can lead to disability along with lasting effects such as damage to the brain. Once a stroke occurs, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to the formation of a blood clot. As a result, the brain cells will start to die due to the lack of oxygen. Based on studies conducted, strokes have been the leading cause of death in the world. It is important to note that the symptoms and the duration of a stroke tends to vary and depends on the type experienced by the individual.
What is a transient ischemic attack?
A transient ischemic attack is considered as a precursor to an actual stroke. Most cases of individuals who suffered a transient ischemic attack usually end up with an actual stroke. This is basically a warning attack that would prompt immediate emergency care in order to prevent the development of a full-blown stroke. The symptoms of a transient ischemic attack are similar to an actual stroke but tend to last for only a few minutes up to 24 hours.
What are the symptoms?
In some cases of strokes, specifically a hemorrhagic stroke, it can be due to a ruptured blood vessel that starts to bleed within the brain. The symptoms of a stroke can occur without any warning and abruptly. If proper medical attention is not provided right away, the effects of a stroke such as memory loss and paralysis can be permanent. With this in mind, it is vital that you are familiar with the warning signs in order to help the individual as well as prevent the lasting effects.
What are the warning signs?
You have to take note of the following warning signs of a stroke.
- The individual suddenly becomes disoriented or confused
- Difficulty walking or speaking
- Slurred speech
- Feeling of numbness on one side of the body
- Visual disturbances
- Severe, persistent headaches
Always bear in mind that a good indication that an individual is having a stroke is when both arms are raised above the head, one falls without control.
When to seek medical care?
Even though a transient ischemic attack can pass, it is best to seek help to prevent further damage. If the individual has difficulty breathing or starts to vomit without end, seek medical care right away. If the individual is not taken care of, it will increase the risk for long-term disability.
Individuals who were medicated using tissue plasminogen activator within 3 hours of experiencing a stroke were able to recover at a better rate than those who were not given the medication. Those who were given had only minimal or no disability after 3 months.
Individuals who suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes and heart diseases are at higher risk for suffering a stroke. Based on studies, aspirin therapy can also help minimize the risk for a stroke but only if the individual does not have high blood pressure and if it is recommended by the doctor.