Stroke
Stroke Causes
Stroke is sometimes referred to as brain attack. For ischemic stroke it is caused by very little blood in the brain. For hemorrhagic stroke it is the total opposite wherein there is too much blood within the skull.
Stroke Definition
The quick developing failure of brain functions because of a disturbance in the blood vessels that provide blood to the brain. This may happen because of ischemia which is caused by thrombosis or embolism or because of hemorrhage. Medically, stroke can be referred to as ictus which means ?to strike? in Latin.
Stroke Diagnosis
Neurological tests CT scans MRI scans Doppler ultrasound Arteriography
Stroke Symptoms and Signs
The FAST test is used to verify symptoms of stroke which is widely used by pre-hospital care professionals in UK. FAST means: Face ? to see if there is anything ?dropping? Arm ? patient holds his arms out for 30 seconds to see if one of the arms moves down slowly Speech ? to check for slurring Test all three ? all three must be tested If three areas in the brain affected contain the corticospinal tract, spinothalamic tract and dorsal column symptoms may include numbness, muscle weakness in the face and decrease in sensory. Usually only one side of the body is affected with stroke. If the brainstem is affected symptoms include change in smell, hearing, taste or vision; eyelid is drooping, ocular muscles weakness, reduced reflexes and sensation, problems in balancing, change in breathing and heart rate, lack of ability to turn head to one side and tongue weakness.
Stroke Treatment
Assessing the symptoms early is very helpful in treating stroke. Accepted treatments of stroke are operation such as carotis endarterectomy and angioplasty; medications such as anti-platelet drugs, anticoagulants; hospital care and rehabilitation.
Drugs used for treatment of Stroke
Aggrenox
Altace
Cozaar
Hyzaar (losartan + hydrochlorthiazide)
Plavix
Zocor