Definition
death of brain cells as a result of interruption of blood flow to them, causing permanent disability
Causes
Stroke is cauused by the death of brain cells as a result of interruption of blood-
flow to them, causing permanent disability
about 80% of stokes occur as a consequence of ischaemia, caused either by a thrombus formed-
inside a cerebral artery as a result of arteriosclerosis, or an embolism formed
elsewhere in the body and carried to the brain
about 20% of strokes are accounted for by intracerebral haemorrhage due tod-
rupture of a blood vessel, producing a clot displacing normal brain tissue and
disrupting function
Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs, ‘ministrokes’) last between a few minutes-
and a few hours, followed by complete recovery
Symptoms
difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia)-
difficulty walking-
vertigo-
numbness, paralysis or weakness, usually on one side of the body-
severe headache-
sudden confusion-
sudden decrease in the level of consciousness-
sudden loss of balance or coordination-
sudden vision problems (e.g. blurred vision, blindness in one eye)-
vomiting-
Emergency aid
if patient is conscious
lay the individual down with head and shoulders slightly raised and-
supported. Incline the patient’s head to one side and place a towel or cloth on
the shoulder to absorb any dribbling
call an ambulance-
If unconscious
maintain an open airway, and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary-
– loosen any clothing that might impede breathing
call an ambulance-
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