Stroke: A life threatening situation
What exactly is a stroke and how or why does it happen ? Well, a stroke is when blood supply to the brain is cut off briefly which deprives it of oxygen and the cells inside the brain start to die. The human brain is highly active working 24 hours a day and uses an incredibly large amount of energy, almost 20% of it although it is just 3 % of the body weight. To accomplish its large energy requirements, it requires a large amount of blood flowing through it every minute and even a brief pause in the blood flow causes its cells to start dying.
There are two types of stroke, the Ischemic and the Hemorrhagic. The Ischemic attack accounts for a large percentage of the cases and as a sub category if we can call it, is the Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).
The Ischemic attack happens when blood flow is restricted within due to a blood clot and it cuts off the blood supply to a smaller vessel where the cells then begin to die.
The Hemorrhagic attack on the other hand happens when the blood flow is restricted so much and the erosion of the walls of the vessel makes the vessel to burst and the blood flows out and into the brain where it is not supposed to be. So this is potentially a situation where there is damage due to blood flowing out and also not being able to flow where it is actually supposed to.
The TIA happens when there is a restriction of the blood flow for a few seconds. Typically less than a minute and it is due to plaquing or clotting which is not so severe. If treated within a small period of time, there can be a full recovery with TIA.
The big question is why does it take place in the first place and how can we recognize a stroke and take measures to avoid it before it creates permanent damage.
The symptoms can be many and include loss of consciousness, difficulty in speaking and driving, confusion and memory loss, vision loss and numbness in one half of the body and it involves drooping of the facial muscles on one side. Sudden severe and unexplained pain in the head. General feeling of tiredness and inability to concentrate. Sudden loss of balance.
The thing to understand is to recognize the symptoms and take action quick enough so that permanent damage can be avoided. The risk factors for a stroke include High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Excessive use of Tobacco and Alcohol, Leading a sedentary lifestyle, Stress is definitely a major factor and so are some medications like birth control pills, medications for Hypertension and many others.
There is a large part of the population which already knows the risks but still take the risk and lead an unhealthy lifestyle. There are others who do not know or do not regularly take tests to determine underlying risk factors.
Whatever the situation, there are many things under our control Like stopping to smoke and use of excessive alcohol can have a huge effect. So can bringing down the stress levels by doing whatever one can like meditation and making sure to avoid foods which put you at greater risk of diabetes and hypertension like sugar and processed foods and carbohydrates.
And if you had a Transient Ischemic attack and have recovered, needless to say that you have to drastically change your lifestyle because you are at risk already and those who had a TIA will get a full blown attack within a year following the TIA if they do not take appropriate steps to reverse their condition.
Vibhuti Misra
Holistic Health Specialist
+91 813 088 2160
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