Learn about the causes of Stroke & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Stroke within New Zealand.
A stroke occurs when brain cells die due to a lack of oxygen, when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a clot in an artery (ischaemic stroke) or by a blood vessel bursting (haemorrhagic stroke). Symptoms include paralysis on one side, slurred speech, confusion and a severe headache.
Causes of stroke
A stroke is caused by an interruption to the blood supply to the brain
from a clot or burst blood vessel. The two main causes of strokes are:
Ischaemic – the most common form of stroke caused by a blood cot stopping blood supply to the brain.
Haemorrhagic – when a weakened blood vessel which supplies blood to the brain bursts resulting in brain damage.
Another
condition known as Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) temporarily stops
the supply of blood to the brain causing a mini-stroke. A TIA is often
a warning sign that a full stroke will occur.
Symptoms of stroke
Symptoms of a stroke vary due to different parts of the brain controlling different body parts but signs of a stroke usually appear suddenly. Stroke symptoms can be identified using the word FAST:
In the event of a stroke call 999 for an ambulance. A diagnosis will be
made once you have been stabilised at the hospital whereupon you'll be
referred for brain imaging scans (CT and MRI).
To identify the cause of the stroke you may need blood tests, blood pressure tests and an echocardiogram.
*Source: GoToSee.co.uk
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