A stroke can occur when the blood supply to the brain is cut off. As a result, vital oxygen does not reach certain parts of the brain, and it may be damaged or destroyed.

 

On this page: What are the effects? · Types of stroke · Causes · Know the warning signs · Who is at risk? · Can stroke be prevented?

 

What are the effects of stroke?

As the brain controls all our bodily functions and mental processes, a stroke can have a wide range of effects – depending on which part of the brain is damaged, and the severity of the stroke. A stroke can affect:

 

• speech
• balance
• movement
• vision
• reading and writing
• memory and thinking
• personality and emotions.

 

Strokes can cause temporary or permanent disability.

 

Types of stroke

Because a stroke can be caused by different factors, there are different types of stroke, including:

 

• ischameic stroke – when a blood clot blocks an artery carrying blood to the brain. This is the most common type.

 

• haemorrhagic stroke – when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts, causing bleeding

 

• transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – where the blood supply to the brain is briefly disrupted. This is also known as a mini-stroke. Symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours, but it is important to see a doctor as they can be an early warning sign for a stroke.

 

Causes

Each type of stroke has different causes. They include:

 

• high blood pressure (hypertension) – this is the most common cause
• narrowed arteries – usually caused by a build-up of cholesterol and other debris
• aneurysm – a weak spot on an artery wall which causes it to stretch and sometimes burst (haemorrhagic stroke)
• atrial fibrillation – an abnormal heartbeat that can cause a blood clot to form in the heart; the clot is then carried to the brain.

 

Know the warning signs

These can occur singly or in combination:

 

• Sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Numbeness, weakness or paralysis of the face or in the arms or legs
• Difficulty speaking or understanding
• Dizziness, loss of balance, unexplained fall
• Difficulty swallowing
• Headache (usually sudden onset and severe)

 

Don't ignore early warning signs.

 

Who is at risk?

You are more likely to have a stroke if you have certain risk factors, including:

 

• high blood pressure
• increasing age
• gender - men are more at risk
• family history of stroke
• previous stroke or heart attack
• diabetes
• excessive drinking
• high cholesterol
• smoking
• poor diet
• lack of exercise
• taking the contraceptive pill.

 

Can stroke be prevented?

You can't alter your heredity or natural physical processes, but you can change lifestyle factors that increase your chance of having a stroke.

Read about healthy living

 

 

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