PT Works

Stroke is a loss of neurological function caused by interruption of blood flow to the brain. To be classified as a stroke, symptoms must be present for at least 24 hours. Symptoms include impairments of sensory, motor, cognitive, perceptual, and language functions. Early detection and treatment are essential to limited long-term complications.

TYPES OF STROKE

1. Ischemic stroke (Most common type) Results from a clot blocking or impaired blood flow which results in deprivation of oxygen and nutrients to the brain
2. Hemorrhagic stroke: occurs when blood vessels rupture. It causes blood to leak in or around the brain

EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF STROKE

• Sudden numbness on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion
• Sudden trouble sleeping
• Sudden trouble walking
• Sudden severe headaches

RISK FACTORS

• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Stroke risk is increased 4-6 times in patients with HTN above 160/95 mm Hg
• Increased with elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and decreased with higher levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL)
• Atrial fibrillation is an independent risk factor
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA): 10% of these individuals will have a major stroke within 90 days and 5% within 2 days

Strokes are preventable and listed below are behaviors that can be changed in order to reduce your chances of having a stroke.

MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Diet: control of cholesterol and lipids
• Excessive alcohol consumption

In some cases, people are predisposed to having strokes because of factors that are out of our control. Below is a list of things that are inherent and thus non-modifiable as it relates to the risks associated with strokes.

NON-MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS

• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Family history

DETECTION OF STROKE

Computed tomography (CT) is used to differentiate between ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.