Stroke Screening Specialist

What Causes a Stroke?

Strokes are caused by a lack of oxygenated blood flow to the brain. As the brain becomes more deprived of oxygen, its tissues begin to suffer. As the brain loses, its ability to function, certain parts may be severely damaged or destroyed. This can cause either temporary or permanent paralysis depending on how long the brain remained without oxygen. Normally a stroke effects one side of the body or the other. Many times, if the stroke is mild enough, a person may make a full recovery, regaining full or almost full use of the parts of their body that were temporarily paralyzed.

What are the Symptoms?

Strokes are known as silent killers because they may offer no symptoms at all before they strike. Many times, there are no indicators at all. An annual checkup may bring to light health conditions that will increase a person's potential risk for heart disease or stroke, but will rarely offer tell tale signs that a stroke is about to occur. Extremely high blood pressure that is difficult to control, peripheral artery disease, and severe headaches, may offer a clue that something is not right in the cardiovascular system, but are not considered true indicators of a stroke. Regular, annual checkups will help to uncover potential problems that could lead to a stroke or other condition affecting the heart or circulatory system.

Can Strokes be Prevented?

Although it is impossible to say that all strokes could have been prevented, those associated with peripheral artery disease and reduced blood flow to the brain may be able to be prevented with proper lifestyle habits and the close monitoring of the heart and other chronic health conditions. If a person has a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or strokes, getting annual physical exams can help identify potential problems. Finding and treating these health conditions as early as possible will help to reduce the risk of stroke and other potential health problems.