Mild Stroke Effects

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow is decreased or completely blocked from parts of the brain for a period of time. Without adequate blood supply, brain cells will die. Strokes can be treated with success when medical treatment is acquired quickly. Even mild strokes should be taken vary seriously because they might be an precursor to a more serious stroke in the future.

Causes

• Some people are more at risk for having a stroke than others. Those who smoke, have high cholesterol and have high blood pressure are more likely to have strokes. Other risk factors include diabetes, heart disease, obesity, alcoholism, drug abuse and the use of birth control medications.

Types

• The most common type of stroke is the ischemic stroke. There are two subtypes of ischemic stroke. The thrombotic stroke occurs when blood flow is blocked by the formation of a blood clot in one of the arteries of the brain or neck. Most often, blood clots form in arteries damaged by atherosclerosis, which is an artery disease caused by the accumulation of cholesterol plaque. The hemorrhagic stroke occurs when one of the brain's blood vessels ruptures or leaks inside the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke may be caused by an aneurysm or uncontrolled hypertension.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a stroke include difficulties with speaking, walking and vision. Also, strokes often cause one side of the body to become either paralyzed or numb. In addition, strokes are usually characterized by a severe headache that comes on suddenly. The headache may be accompanied by pain that occurs between the eyes, neck stiffness and vomiting.

Time Frame

• The amount of time that blood flow is interrupted by a stroke is the main factor in determining the long-term effects of the stroke. Mild strokes typically cause temporary problems. Such effects may include muscle control difficulties, speaking difficulties, swallowing difficulties and memory loss. Also, some patients may experience pain, tingling and other strange sensations for a period time following a stroke.

Treatment

• Ischemic strokes require treatment that will eliminate blockages in the brain's arteries. Medications such as aspirin or medications that dissolve clots may be used. Surgery may be required to remove plaque or to install stents to keep blood flowing freely. Hemorrhaigic strokes usually require surgery to stop blood loss.

Recovery

• Recovery from the effects of mild stroke vary depending on what part of the brain was affected and for how long blood flow was affected by the stroke. Recovery may involve medical rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychological counseling.

  Recovery from a mild stroke may also include reducing the risks of reoccurring stroke. Stroke prevention may include lowering cholesterol levels, controlling high blood pressure, controlling diabetes, losing weight, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption and giving up tobacco.