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The importance of proper diet after stroke. By Theresa O'Toole
4 major arteries serve the brain:
the 2 carotids on either side of the front of the neck:
the 2 vertibral on either side of the back of the neck.
What Causes a Stroke?
The occurrence of a major stroke is dramatic! A seemingly healthy person is felled by an invisible foe!
In reality, a stroke is not a bolt from the blue. It is, instead, often the symptom of an already existing condition that affects the flow of blood to the brain.
The brain cannot store energy. It depends on a continuous supply of fresh blood pumped to it by the heart. A hefty 25% of the blood that the heart pumps goes to the brain. If blood flow to a section of the brain stops for any reason, brain cells in the area lose their source of energy and begin to die.
The result is a STROKE
In the most common form of stroke, the flow of blood is disturbed as an artery serving the brain gradually becomes clogged. Eventually the artery may become closed entirely by the formation of a clot. A brain artery can also be blocked or plugged by a clot that has formed elsewhere in the body, usually in the heart or the arteries of the neck, and is carried in the body's blood stream to the brain.
Warning Signs!!!
The four most common warning signs of strobe are:
- Transient numbness, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg, or on one side of the face,
- Temporary blindness in one or both eyes
- Temporary difficulty with speech
- Loss of strength in a limb
Other danger signals are:
Unusual or unexplainable headache: dizziness: drowsiness: nausea or vomiting: abrupt changes in personality, impaired judgment or forgetfulness which can also warn the alert observer of possible impending stroke.
Such warning signs may be brief. The symptoms of light-headedness, feeling ill, numbness, or memory loss may only last a few seconds, but it is wise not to ignore them even if they go away. The fact that the symptoms have disappeared does not mean that there is no medical problem. It is best to see a doctor immediately and be sure.
CAN YOU REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HAVING A STROKE?
YES !!! HERE'S HOW
Have your blood pressure checked regularly and if found to have high blood pressure,
take medical treatment and make lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure down.
Stop Smoking!!!
Avoid drinking too much alcohol.
Cut down on salt and fatty food and eat several portions
of fruit and vegetables each day.
Take regular exercise.
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