Brain clots account for approximately 87 percent of strokes. Clotting goes unnoticed by patients until final warning signs are observed by friends and family. By this time, the brain has already been deprived of oxygen and permanent damage ensues. What many people don't realize is that heart disease is the main contributor for clotting in the brain. Knowing the signs and symptoms helps lower the chances of permanent stroke damage, but a healthy diet and physical activity keep a heart strong and blood pumping to the brain.
Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke is the most common type of brain clots accounting for 87 percent of stroke attacks. The clots occur in the arterial branches of the brain which bring nutrients and oxygen to the cells. The clots are normally emboli from patients with arteriosclerosis (calcium buildup in the arteries of the heart muscle). Most ischemic strokes happen at night or in the early morning. Patients may have "mini-strokes," which are warning signs of a larger oncoming stroke. While these warning signs are similar to a normal stroke, they only last for minutes and subsequently subside.
Warning Signs
Warning signs of strokes are physical representations of the obstruction of oxygen to the brain. The first warning sign is numbness in the extremities or in the face. The patient may become confused or not understand simple conversations or commands. Additionally, the patient may have a sudden migraine headache with dizziness and loss of balance.
What to Do
The first reaction for anyone who witnesses a stroke victim is to call 911. It is important to take note of the time, so you can relay the information to medical personnel. There is limited time to react. If the patient receives medical care within three hours, advancements in anti-clotting procedures have provided medical treatment that quickly reduces the clot. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved emergency treatment for brain clots, and it saves patients from permanent damage caused by a stroke.
Prevention
Once a patient has a stroke, he is at risk of another. Nutrition and diet are the first steps to stroke prevention. Because brain clots are usually emboli from arteriosclerosis, a healthy low-fat diet and lowered cholesterol help eliminate the risk of a stroke. Secondly, physical activity leads to a healthy heart and limits stroke chances. Just 30 minutes a day of low impact activity reduces the risk of a future stroke. Finally, it is important to keep regularly scheduled doctor appointments to keep careful observation of your health. Also, be sure to follow doctor's orders for medication and diet for a longer life without the fear of experiencing a stroke.
Tags: brain clots, warning signs, emboli from, permanent damage, physical activity