Stroke

A stroke is a medical event that occurs when one of the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to your brain is damaged. These events rob your brain of the blood it needs to survive, and brain cell death follows. An ischemic stroke takes place when a blood clot obstructs the flow of blood to your brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to your brain ruptures. A transient ischemic attack happens when a clot blocks blood flow temporarily. A stroke can affect many aspects of normal bodily function. The effects depend on which brain cells die as a result of stroke. Researchers believe that as many as 80% of strokes are preventable with the proper care.

There are many steps you can take to lower your risk of stroke. Making positive changes can also boost your overall health and wellness and reduce your risk of many other health problems.
Some great prevention tips include:

• • Lowering blood pressure
• • Losing weight if needed
• • Exercise more often
• • Get screened for diabetes
• • Evaluate your drinking habits and cut down to one glass a day
• • Quit smoking

All of these steps are easier said than done, but there are some excellent resources and support networks that can help you make lifestyle improvements.

If you have narrowed blood vessels or a blood clot has been identified, some treatments can help avoid a stroke. One approach called thrombectomy uses an incredibly thin catheter and a cage-like device to enter a carotid artery and remove a blood clot to restore blood flow to the brain.

Medications can also help by dissolving blood clots or thinning your blood. Some medications are used in a preventive approach, while others are put into action immediately after a stroke.