Stroke (also known as cerebrovascular disease) occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it starts to die. The extent and location of the brain cell damage determines the severity of the stroke, which can range from minimal to catastrophic. Because different areas of the brain control different functions, the specific effects of a particular stroke depend on which area of the brain is injured. A small stroke in a critical area of the brain can be permanently disabling. Because brain cells do not regenerate, damage to the nerve cells is permanent. Millions of brain cells die each minute a stroke is untreated. Ruptured blood vessels cause hemorrhagic or bleeding strokes.
What are the warning signs of stroke?
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Types of Stroke
There are two types of stroke caused by an isolated blood vessel that hampers blood flow to the brain:
- That where the vessel clogs within - ischemic stroke
- Where the vessel ruptures, causing blood to leak into the brain - hemorrhagic stroke
Disorders after Stroke
The following disorders can occur in the aftermath of a stroke and they affect the majority of stroke patients:
In this pamphlet
, we would like to share with you three basic principles for a comprehensive, continuum approach, from prevention to treatment and towards rehabilitation and long-term support in addressing the stroke epidemic.