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Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment for Stroke

Ways to Avoid a Stroke or Act Fast in the Face of One

Feb 11, 2009 Autumn Heseman

A stroke can hit in seconds leaving most of its victims with some form of disability to overcome. Here are some types of strokes and the outcomes which can occur.

According the the National Stroke Association, the "Stroke" is the third leading cause of death in America. It can also be called a "brain attack," because it is very much like a heart attack but located in the brain. Strokes can occur in two main ways, and need to be treated extremely differently for that reason. A stroke can occur from a blood clot in the arteries in the brain, or from a hemorrhagic bleed. It is very important to know the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for the types of stroke so they can be quickly treated.

Risk Factors for a Stroke

There are many factors which place a person at risk for a stroke or brain attack. One of the most common risk factors for a stroke is age. This is due to a wearing down of the arteries and more risk for plaque build up creating clots. Some risk factors are preventable while others are not. The National Stroke Association provides those listed below are the main factors which place people at risk for a brain attack.

Unpreventable Risk Factors for a Stroke

Race
Gender
Family History
Previous Stroke, Mini Stroke also known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Preventable Risk Factors for a Stroke

High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Alcohol/Drug Use
Diabetes
Being Overweight

Symptoms of a Stroke

Although there are different types of strokes; which occur in different areas of the brain, the symptoms that occur are usually very similar. Doctors and other medical professionals are taught to look for these things, but it is also very easy to do a check at home with loved ones. Medical professionals are taught to look at three things when looking for symptoms of a stroke.

Facial symmetry (Can the patient smile?)
Ability to Answer Questions (Is the patient able to respond correctly?)
Limb Movement (Can the patient lift his arms when told?)

This checklist is a great tool to help those whose family members have had or are having a stroke understand the symptoms and seek help quickly.

Treatment Options for Stroke Patients

There are many options for those who have suffered a stroke or "brain attack." The most recent option for those who are having a stroke is the blood clot busting drug "tPA." It is a drug which can only be used on those who are suffering from a stroke caused by a clot. According to Daniel Hanley, M.D., professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, "We've gone from what's usually an 80 percent death rate in patients with this condition to an 80 percent survival rate." (Brownlee, C. (2008) Researchers Fine-tune Clot-busting Treatment for Bleeding in Brain [Electronic version]. Press Release.-Johns Hopkins Medicine.) This clot is dissolved by the medicine given, and can help restore some if not all functioning. This option can only be used if the patient goes to the hospital and is seen very quickly. The medicine cannot be taken after a long period of time.

Other options for stroke recovery are more long term. Many people who suffer from a stroke exhibit difficulty with swallowing, talking, walking, and understanding things that are said to them. For these difficulties, therapies such as speech, physical and occupational therapy are recommended. Depending on the type of stroke and place of occurrence these therapy options may differ.

It is good to know the symptoms, signs, and treatments for stroke if someone close may have a stroke or "brain attack." Quick response can mean the difference between life and death.

The copyright of the article Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment for Stroke in General Medicine is owned by Autumn Heseman. Permission to republish Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment for Stroke in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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