Stroke is sudden loss of brain function, which is caused by either blockage or rupture of an artery. The scientists conducting a research on stroke found out that when a person suffers from stroke, there are about 2 million nerve cells that are dying every single minute, which results in loss of 14 billion synapses, and 8 miles of never fibers. The researchers also added that every hour that passes by under the effect of stroke, the brain ages 3.6 years. So this just makes stroke an emergency that needs immediate medical attention.

Brain is the most important organ of our body, as it controls and performs so many functions in our body. The damage that occurs from stroke to the brain is purely devastating. The symptoms and signs that occur after a stroke depend on the area of the brain that is affected. The symptoms that are most common are either weakness or paralysis of one side of the body with either partial or complete loss of voluntary function or either sensation of the limb or limbs.

The diagnosis of a stroke depends on clinical history and examination. Tests are performed on patients to know for sure as to what areas of brain are affected and how much area is involved that is damaged by stroke. An echocardiogram can be performed to look for blood clots in heart. Another important test, which is ultrasound of the carotid arteries, is done to look for stenosis that may be a cause of impaired blood circulation to the brain.

Just on the basis of the fact that a person has slurred speech, it should not be concluded that a person had stroke, because there are other brain disorders that mimic the same symptoms that are seen in stroke such as subdural hematoma, viral encephalitis, etc.

Stroke is a deadly thing that might lead one to lose speech, paralyzed on one or both sides, affect memory and leave individuals bedridden throughout their lives. It is always important to act as fast as you can. It is race against time to help the person who had stroke.

I hope that this article provides you with a good level of awareness about stroke. In my next coming articles, I will be discussing about how to act when you see a person suffering from stroke.

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