STROKE DISORDERS

When the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or blocked
for any reason, the consequences are usually drastic. Control
over movement, perception, speech or other mental or body
functions is impaired and consciousness itself may be lost.
Disruption of blood circulation to the brain are known as
strokes- -a disorder that occurs in three basic forms, all
potentiially life-threatening.

Ischemic Stroke
About three-fourths of all strokes are due to blockage of the
oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain. Called clot or ischemic
strokes, they are triggered by either a thrombus (a stationary
clot that forms in a blood vessel) or a embolus (a clot that
travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in a
vessel). Atherosclerosis (the buildup of fatty deposits along
blood vessel walls) is a major contributing cause to this form
of strokes.

TIA (transient ischemic attack)
TIA's are episodes of inadequate blood flow that may produce
sudden physical weakness, an inability to talk, double vision, or
dizziness. A TIA usually lasts 15 minutes or less and is also called
a "mini-stroke." Because TIA's may be signs of an impending
stroke, take them seriously and see your Doctor. With TIA,
circulation and vital oxygen supply are quickly restored and
lasting neurological damage is avoided. With any stroke, however,
the interru;tion of blood flow last long enough to kill brain cells,
producting irreversible neurological damage.

Hemorrhagic Stroke (bleeding stroke or cerebral hemorrhage)
This occurs when a brain aneurysm ruptures or when a weakened or
inflamed blood vessel in the brain starts to leak. As blood flow into the
brain, the buildup of pressure may either kill the tissue directly or
destroy cells by impeding normal circulation to the affected region.
This typically produces an excruciating headache, sometimes
flowed by loss of consciousness. In contrast to clot stroke, which
are generally survived, massive bleeding stokes are fatal about
80% of the time.

General information
Because of improved treatment and greater awareness of the
dangers of High Blood Pressure, the overall death rate from
strokes is declining. Nonetherless, strokes remain the third
leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart
disease, and cancer. It is also the leading cause of disability
and second only to Alzheimer's Disease as a cause of dementia.
Recovery from stroke depends on the extent and location of
brain damage. Some stroke victims recover fully, but in the vast
majority of cases, there is lasting physical and mental disability.
Weakened by stroke victims are also more vulnerable to
infecious diseases, such as pneumonis. In addition, depression
often follows a stoke, unless treated, it can significantly
hinder recovery.

*WARNING! A STOKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. IF YOU HAVE
ANY WARNING SIGNS OF A STROKE, CALL 911. YOU MUST GET
TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. SOME TREATMENTS MUST
BEGIN WITHIN THE FIRST FEW HOURS OF SMYPTOMS.*

Symptoms Or Warning Signs
You should consider these symptoms warning signs and consult
your Doctor or Health Care Provider.

Abrupt loss of vision, strength, coordination, sensation, speech
or the ability to understand speech. These symptoms may become
more marked over time.

Impairments limited to one side of the body, such as numbness
or weakness on one side of the face or blindness in one eye.

Dizziness and sudden loss of balance, possible accompanied
by vomiting, nausea, fever, hiccups or trouble with swallowing.

Sudden and severe headache followed rapidly by loss of
consciousness - - indications of a stroke due to bleeding.

Brief loss of consciousness.

*Materials contained herein are for information only and are
in no way intended to replace your Doctor or Health Care
Provider. Alway seek immediate medical help.*