StrokeDescription The medical term for a stroke is cerebrovascular disease. A stroke is caused by lack of blood flow to the brain. There are actually many different types of strokes, depending on what part of the brain is cut off from blood flow. All, however, involve the loss of function related to whatever brain tissue was severed by the stoppage. Strokes can occur suddenly and severely over the space of a few minutes, or progress gradually over several hours. An estimated 10 to 30 percent of all stroke victims first experience a ministroke, which has much milder symptoms than a regular stroke, usually lasts less than five minutes, and does not cause brain damage. Also known as transient strokes, these typically occur hours, days, weeks, or months before a regular stroke. Each year, an estimated 300,000 Americans suffer a stroke. One-quarter of this number die; the rest are left with mild to severe disabilities, including brain damage, paralysis of one or both sides of the face, paralysis of one or both sides of the body, loss of speech, memory loss, impaired reasoning, and diminished sight. Disabilities correspond to the part of the brain that was damaged. Stroke victims face a multitude of physical discomforts and challenges. Because of the loss of function, many become dependent on family members and/or private nurses, making the disease especially dreaded. The prognosis is better in younger patients because their brains are more adaptable. The greatest risk factor for stroke is age. In fact, your chance of having a stroke doubles each decade after the age of 35. Additional risk factors include high blood pressure (70 percent of all strokes in this country occur in individuals with high blood pressure), heart conditions (in those with heart conditions, blood clots from the heart are more likely to travel up the major arteries to the brain, where they get stuck), a family history of strokes, and being of African descent. Smoking, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes also are thought to be contributing factors. Signs and Symptoms
Conventional Medical Treatment A stroke is an emergency condition. Should you or anyone you know develop any of the preceding symptoms, go straight to the nearest hospital emergency room. Diagnosis may be based upon symptoms and patient history, or may involve an MRI or CAT scan of the brain to see whether there is any leakage or any "backed-up" blood in the brain. Treatment may include immedIate administration of the drug t-PA (tissue-plasminogen activator). This drug can help prevent brain damage or death by dissolving the blood clots that cause most strokes. Patients receiving t-PA within three hours of the onset of symptoms are 30 percent more likely to make a complete or near complete recovery. Overall treatment varies widely, depending on what risk factors have contributed to the stroke and what area of the brain is affected. Typical treatment includes intensive care and a combination of life support and intravenous feeding. Also, depending on what function has been lost, a stroke victim may require some type of long-term physical therapy and/or nursing care. To prevent a second stroke, you may be given a prescription for an anti-clotting drug, such as warfarin (Coumadin), or told to take one aspirin every day. Complementary and Alternative TreatmentsNutrition and Supplementation As is always the case, prevention is easier than cure. Eat high-fiber foods that are low in fat and cholesterol. Meals should be planned around fruits, vegetables, and grains. Eat dark-green, leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, soybeans, wheat germ, and whole grains to get a healthy supply of vitamin E (which improves circulation). Foods to avoid include candies, chips, fried foods, gravies, junk food, pies, processed foods, red meat, and saturated fats. Also stay away from stimulants such as coffee, colas, tobacco, and alcohol. Drink plenty of pure water. These are good daily supplements for you to take: Most Important
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(Consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.) Bodywork and Somatic Practices Stroke patients have responded well to Feldenkrais and CranioSacral Therapy. Other methods to try would be Aston Patterning, massage, Trager, Oriental bodywork, and polarity therapy. Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Acupuncture can be used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as improve the flow of blood through the arteries in order to prevent a stroke. It also may be helpful in unblocking energy pathways following a stroke, which can hasten the patient's recovery and help prevent paralysis. Acupressure Acupressure may prevent a stroke by rejuvenating blood flow through clogged arteries. It also helps stimulate muscles that may have been weakened by a stroke and increase energy and stamina in patients with impaired immune systems. Chinese Herbal Therapy Chinese medicine views a stroke as an internal damp-wind condition that impairs brain and circulatory functioning, and herbs are typically prescribed to remedy this underlying disorder as well. |
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