STROKE

A stroke may cause temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. A person who has suffered a stroke may have difficulty caring for himself or herself, such as in bathing, dressing and managing a household or a job. A stroke can affect a person's vision, memory, speech and muscle strength, as well as his or her ability to drive a car safely and engage in typical leisure activities.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is the result of cerebrovascular disease - disease of the blood vessels in the brain. It is sometimes called a "brain attack." It can also injure the brain like a heart attack can injure the heart.

There are two types of stroke: Ischemic and Hemorrhagic. Ischemic is the most common type of stroke and occurs when there is a sudden lack of blood flow to some part of the brain, usually due to a blood clot blocking an artery or blood vessel. Hemorrhagic strokes may be due to an aneurysm—a thin or weak spot in an artery that balloons out and can burst.

Either type of stroke can cause brain cells to die. This brain damage may cause a person to lose control of certain functions, such as speech, movement, and memory.

How is a Stroke Treated?

Surgery is sometimes used to treat or prevent stroke, such as the surgical removal of fatty deposits clogging the carotid artery in the neck that could lead to a stroke. For hemorrhagic stroke, surgical treatment may include placing a metal clip at the base of an aneurysm or removing abnormal blood vessels.

Strokes caused by blood clots can be treated with clot-busting drugs such as TPA (tissue plasminogen activator). TPA must be given within 3 hours of the start of a stroke to be effective, and tests must be done first.

Other medicines are used to treat and to prevent strokes. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents interfere with the blood's ability to clot and can play an important role in preventing stroke.

What is the Prognosis?

The prognosis of a stroke depends on the severity of the stroke. Many people suffer "mini-strokes" and go on with virtually no symptoms. However, strokes can disable a person partially or fully. Rehabilitation is a very important part of recovery for many stroke survivors. Rehabilitation doesn't reverse the effects of a stroke. Its goals are to build your strength, capability and confidence so you can continue your daily activities despite the effects of your stroke.

Occupational therapists are trained in helping people lead as independent as life as possible. Occupational therapists can help stroke survivors regain their strength to again engage in daily activities, and make sure they stay on track with rehabilitation therapy.

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