STROKE: EARLY AND LATE IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This interruption can be caused by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or by a rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). In both cases, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and essential nutrients, which can lead to permanent brain damage or even death. The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the area of ​​the brain affected and the extent of the damage. Some of the most common signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision loss in one or both eyes, dizziness, loss of balance, and sudden, intense headache. It is crucial to recognize these signs and seek immediate medical attention, as time is essential to minimize brain damage. Stroke diagnosis usually involves neurological examinations, brain imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other tests to determine the cause and extent of the stroke. Treatment varies depending on the type of stroke and may include medications to dissolve blood clots (in the case of ischemic stroke), surgery to repair ruptured blood vessels (in the case of hemorrhagic stroke), and rehabilitation therapies to help patients recover lost function. Stroke prevention is fundamental and involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, and abstaining from smoking. In addition, it is important to be aware of risk factors such as a family history of stroke, advanced age, and certain medical conditions, and to follow medical advice to reduce the risk of stroke.