A cerebral stroke is a condition wherein disruption in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain causes a rapid loss of brain functions. This condition might occur due to lack of blood supply or due to loss of blood because of a hemorrhage. As a result, the functioning of the affected area becomes distressed and causes paralysis of one or more limbs on one side of the body, problems in comprehending and devising speech or the lack of vision in one eye.

A cerebral stroke is the second most common cause for death and is a serious medical condition capable of causing irreversible neurological damage.

Symptoms of cerebral stroke:

The symptoms of cerebral stroke start abruptly and vary in nature and severity. The severity of the stroke depends on the artery that is involved and the affected area of the brain. There are a lot of unusual functions that can be taken for possible symptoms of a stroke; these symptoms are of varying degree. The symptoms would involve:

• Abnormalities in the eye movement
• Problems in vision, speech, feelings, muscle movement, balance of body, memory and the person’s consciousness.
• Pain in the head
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vertigo
• Problem in hearing and deafness
• Stiff neck
• Epilepsy and convulsions
• Muscular rigidity
• Poor bladder control

Risk factors:

The various risk factors that can trigger a stroke are:

• Old age
• A history of stroke
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High level of blood sugar or diabetes
• High level of cholesterol in the body
• Excessive smoking

Treatment for stroke:

The typical treatment for a stroke includes speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Secondary prevention for a stroke includes administering antiplatelet drugs like aspirin and dipyridamole.

Control of blood pressure.

Endarterectomy and anticoagulation techniques are also used with some patients.