http://www.familyhealthguide.co.uk/stroke.html Stroke Every year in the UK, around 130,000 people have a first stroke - about one person every five minutes
A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of your brain, causing damage to brain cells. Its effects can be devastating and may last a lifetime. There are two main types of strokes. a.. Haemorrhagic stroke. These are more rare and occur when a vessel supplying blood to the brain bursts, causing a bleed into or around the brain tissue. b.. Ischaemic stroke is the most common type of stroke - a narrowing or blockage forms in a blood vessel leading to the brain and prevents blood supply to a part of the brain. Symptoms of a stroke include; Numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body. Slurred speech or difficulty finding words or understanding speech. Blurred vision or loss of vision. Dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness or severe headache Strokes can affect people of any age however most strokes after the age of 55. There are a number of things people can do to help avoid a stroke: a.. Don't smoke b.. Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and weight under control c.. Only drink alcohol within safe recommended limits d.. Take regular exercise e.. Take medication as advised Stroke - Symptoms Prompt Medical attention in the event of a stroke can have a significant effect on a persons chance of recovery so it's important to be able to recognise the symptoms. a.. numbness, tingling, paralysis of the face, arm or leg b.. sudden blurred or limited vision in one or both eyes c.. sudden difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying d.. sudden dizziness, e.. loss of balance, f.. difficulty with movements g.. sudden intense headache, often on one side or down the neck h.. a brief episode of confusion. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
