A REVIEW ARTICLE ON STROKE

Stroke is a neurological disorder characterized by blockage of blood vessels. A stroke occurs when a blockage or bleed of the blood vessels either interrupts or reduces the supply of blood to the brain. When this happens, the brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients, and brain cells start to die. Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease. This means that it affects the blood vessels that feed the brain oxygen. If the brain does not receive enough oxygen, damage may start to occur. This is a medical emergency. Although many strokes are treatable, some can lead to disability or death. Strokes can be broadly categorized into two main types: 1.Ischemic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot or a buildup of plaque narrows or blocks an artery, reducing blood flow to a specific part of the brain. It is the most common type of stroke, accounting for the majority of cases. 2.Hemorrhagic Stroke: Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks, causing bleeding within or around the brain. While less common than ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes are often more severe and can result from conditions like high blood pressure or aneurysms. Common risk factors for strokes include hypertension (high blood pressure), smoking, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and a family history of strokes. Age and gender can also influence stroke risk, with older individuals and men being more susceptible. Recognizing the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical help are crucial for minimizing brain damage and improving the chances of a successful recovery. Common stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden severe headache with no known cause; and sudden difficulty walking, loss of balance, or lack of coordination. Stroke treatment depends on the type and severity of the stroke but may involve clot-busting medications, herbal medicines, surgical interventions, and rehabilitation. Stroke survivors often require extensive medical and rehabilitative care to regain lost functions and improve their quality of life. Preventing strokes involves managing risk factors through lifestyle changes, medication, herbal medicines and, in some cases, surgical procedures to address underlying health conditions. Public awareness campaigns stress the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and acting quickly, as time is of the essence in stroke treatment. Manage diabetes, control bp and cholesterol levels. Maintain healthy diet, exercise regularly and Quit smoking.