Stroke

The human brain

The brain is the most complex organ in your body. It is divided into regions that control various motor and sensory functions. Therefore, damage to a region may affect the functions it controls.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a form of cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries which carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain. During a stroke, one of the arteries leading to the brain becomes clogged, or may burst, slowing or stopping the flow of blood.
As a result, brain cells begin to die and some of the body functions may begin to deteriorate.

Types of strokes

It is important that you become an active partner with your doctor in taking care of yourself. At first, as you adjust your daily habits to the treatment program advised to you, making these changes may seem difficult. After a while, these changes will become routine. So the sooner you begin to make these changes, the better.

Signs and symptoms of a stroke

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of your body
• Loss of vision or blurred vision, especially in one eye
• Sudden and severe headaches
• Unexplained dizziness, loss of balance, or sudden falls
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

Preventing strokes

• Quit smoking
  • If you smoke, talk to your physician about a smoking cessation program that is right for you.

• Physical activity

  • Maintain a healthy weight for your age, and talk to your physician about a regular exercise program that is right for you.
• Eat healthy
  • Eat nutritious foods that are low in cholesterol and fat, and reduce your intake of salt or foods high in salt.
• Medication
  • If you have high blood pressure, check your blood pressure regularly and take your medication as prescribed by your physician.