In order to keep the damage to health in the event of a stroke as low as possible and to avoid serious consequences, it is particularly important to react as quickly as possible at the first symptoms. However, it is necessary to know the different typical types of stroke and their early symptoms.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or there is bleeding in the brain, explains Dr. Amre Nouh from the Cleveland Clinic in the USA. The time until appropriate emergency treatment is initiated is a significant factor for the further course of the disease.
What happens if you have a stroke?
“When a stroke occurs, there is a sudden loss of neurological function, which can be very devastating and range from loss of vision to loss of speech and motor function to complete incapacity,” explains the doctor in a recent report Press release.
Typical stroke symptoms
If you suspect a stroke, Dr. Nouh first check whether balance or coordination problems suddenly occur. This also applies to vision problems, speech problems and drooping or numbness in the face or a feeling of weakness in the arm.
Most people immediately think of the brain when they think of a stroke, but strokes can also occur in other parts of the body. In an article by the American Heart Association (AHA), doctor Dr. Matthew Schrag that a stroke can also affect the eye and the spine.
Brain strokes typically manifest as facial numbness, weakness in the arms or legs (particularly on one side of the body), difficulty speaking or understanding language, lack of coordination, vision problems, and sudden, severe headaches, says Dr. Aslant.
Stroke not just in the brain?
However, it is also possible that blood clots travel to the retina and lead to an eye attack. This usually causes complete loss of vision in the affected eye. However, sometimes vision is only partially lost and those affected can still perceive light or movement.
Although such a stroke is not fatal, there is a risk of permanent vision loss if this type of stroke is not treated within the first few hours, explains Dr. Aslant.
Even if an eye attack is not fatal, it is a strong predictor of future heart attacks, strokes or deaths, the doctor adds. If there is any suspicion, a medical examination is recommended as quickly as possible.
A stroke could also occur in the spine, although this is rare. In this case, a blood clot forms in the arteries leading to the spine. Medical interventions can also lead to a stroke on the spine if blood pressure drops sharply or the heart stops and no longer flows enough blood, according to the expert.
How can you prevent strokes?
In general, all of the above types of strokes can be prevented by eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. In addition, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels should be within a healthy range and it is important to ensure healthy sleep. (as)