Stroke

or apoplexia or ictus cerebri

 Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Western countries. The major risk factors are: hypertension, diabetes,  heart rhythm irregularities (i.e. atrial fibrillation), cigarette smoking, left ventricular hypertrophy and high blood cholesterol. Other risk factors are: obesity, high hematocrit and fibrinogen, race (Japanese,   Chinese, and American blacks have high rates than Caucasians), family history, alchol consumption.

The basic clinical feature of stroke is its abrupt and unheralded onset. The Greek term "apoplexia"  or the Latin term "ictus cerebri" mean to be suddly struck with violence or paralysis.

The comtuted tomography (CT) help to distinguish two major causes of stroke: hemorrhage and cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction can be divided into three categories by vascular mechanism: large vessel atherothrombosis, lacunar infarction, and embolism from the heart. Distinguishing subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured berry aneurism (or arteriovenous malformation) and from intraparenchymatous hemorrhage can also be done by Ct scan. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are reversibol focal neurologicaldeficits, lasting minutes to 24 hours.

Early warning signs of stroke 

q       Numbness or drooping of the face

q       Weakness of the arm or leg expecially on the same side of the body

q      Loss of speech, or trouble talking or understating speech

q      Sudden severe, unexplained headache

q       Sudden blurred vison

q       unexplained dizzness or falls expecially in conjuction with the other symptoms

If any of these symptoms occur even though for a short time (minutes) they may indicate stroke.Than get medical help right away!!!

 Moderns stroke care and rehabilitation can prevent long term disability. The sooner rehabilitation begins, the better.

Emergency steps of stroke 

q       Find out wich hospital in your area have a 24-hour emergency medicalò care

q       Find out wich hospital or medical facility  is nearest your home or office

q       Keep a list of emergency rescue services numbers next to your  telephone or in your

      pcket, wallet or purse. emergency rescue service numbers to your telephone.

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