Stroke is among the most common diseases causing disabilities and death adults. It occurs when the system supplying blood to your brain is interrupted, preventing tissues in the brain from accessing nutrients and oxygen. This makes brain cells start dying. Dr. Tracy Fulton in Alexandria is an expert in helping people recover from a stroke. Let us read on to get more informed!
Cause
There are two significant causes of stroke: ischemic stroke (blocked artery) and hemorrhagic (leaking of a blood vessel).
Ischemic Stroke
It is the most common. It occurs when the brain blood vessels become blocked or narrowed, leading to reduced blood flow. Narrowed or blocked blood vessels are caused by fat deposits that add up in vessels or by debris or blood clots that travel along with blood and lodge in the brain’s blood vessels.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhages in the brain can lead to many conditions that affect your blood vessels. Some hemorrhagic stroke factors include trauma, overtreatment with blood thinners, uncontrolled blood pressure, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A TIA is a temporary period of symptoms resembling those you would have in a stroke, although it does not cause permanent damage. TIA is caused by a decrease in blood supply temporarily to the part of the brain.
TIA occurs when debris or a clot reduces or blocks blood flow to parts of the nervous system. If you suspect you had a TIA, but your symptoms got better, seek emergency care immediately. Having a TIA puts you at a higher risk of having a full-blown stroke later.
Prevention
Following the doctor’s recommendations, knowing stroke risk factors, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the main steps you can follow to prevent stroke. Many stroke prevention processes are similar to those of preventing heart disease. Recommendations of living healthy include:
Controlling high blood pressure. This is among the essential things you might do to reduce stroke risk. If you once had a stroke, lowering blood pressure can help prevent stroke or a recurring TIA. A healthy lifestyle can be used to treat high blood pressure.
Lowering the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. Eating food with less fat and cholesterol, mostly trans fats and saturated fats, can reduce the arteries’ congestion. If you cannot control your fats and cholesterol in the diet, the doctor can recommend cholesterol-lowering medication.
Exercising regularly. Exercising reduces the risk of stroke in various ways. It can lower blood pressure, improve the heart and blood vessels’ overall health, and increase levels of good cholesterol. Exercise can help you lose weight and control diabetes.
Eating a diet of fruits and vegetables. Having fruits and vegetables of at least five different varieties might reduce your risk of stroke. A diet emphasizing nuts, whole grains, vegetables, olive oil, and fruit can be helpful.
Stroke recovery is different for every person. After you stabilize from treatment, the Integrated Neurology Services team evaluates your problem and comes up with treatment. If you need comprehensive, compassionate, and satisfying stroke rehabilitation, contact Integrated Neurology services today or book an appointment online.