THE DAMAGING EFFECT OF STROKE AND WHAT TO DO

Stroke is the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain resulting in loss of consciousness, often followed by paralysis, or embolism or thrombosis affecting a cerebral vessel. Stroke is caused by severe damage to some parts of the brain because of an interruption of the blood supply to such part. And the exact symptoms in a particular case are determined by the particular part of the affected brain. The demand of the brain for a continuous supply of fresh blood are so great that one-fifth of the blood pumped by the heart is delivered to the brain. An interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain result in permanent damage to the brain cells within about five minutes. Stroke of one kind or another account for about one-fifth of the deaths in the broad category of cardiovascular disease. About 80% of the deaths from stroke occur in people who are sixty-five years old or above. Eight out of ten persons survive their first stroke attack, but these are usually handicapped to a greater or lesser degree, perhaps by a paralysis of some muscles resulting from permanent damage to brain. Although the onset of stroke is sudden , the underlying disease condition has usually been of long standing. Stroke result when fomentation of blood clot (thrombosis) at the site blocks a vessel-a complication of arteriosclerosis. It may be caused by a rupture of an artery wall in the brain with consequent escape of blood into the brain tissue. The symptoms may develop instantly or over a period of several minutes. The patient usually collapse and may loss consciousness. His face may be red and congested. There may be vomiting or be pulled to the strong side and other effects. PRECAUTIONS There are several measures to be taken in event of this 1. Visit your physician 2. Give yourself complete bed rest, preferably with head and shoulders elevated slightly. 3. Apply cold compresses(cloth wrung out of ice water) or inn ice bag intermittently to the patient forehead and face. 4. Do not use stimulants except on prescription 5. In event of vomiting, turn your head to one side to prevent choking 6. In event of convulsions development, placed a tightly rolled cloth between your teeth to prevent injuries to your tongue 7. It may be necessary to empty your bladder by catheter 8. During convalescence it is necessary you arrange a progressive program in which a patient is guided in taking exercise, in self-care, and in learning to walk