Strokes can affect both mental and physical health. It can affect any part of the body, without any previous warning. There is no way of knowing when a stroke occurs the very first time but there are ways in which one can reduce the risk of its occurrence. To know just how serious a stroke can be, its causes and measures to reduce its risk, read on.

What’s A Stroke?

Medicine Net describes a stroke as, “The sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood flow or rupture of an artery to the brain.” Basically due to clotting or bursting of an artery, the brain cells do not receive enough blood and consequently, are damaged or die. 

The Part Of Body Affected

Different parts of the brain are responsible for controlling different parts and functions of the body; depending on what cells get damaged- a stroke can have an effect on literally any part of the human body. There are different kinds of strokes. 

What Does A Stroke Feel Like?

The most common painful indication of a stroke is a headache. If it is accompanied by any of the ahead mentioned symptoms, medical help should be sought as soon as possible. Stroke, if not identified, can be fatal in some cases too.

Other Symptoms

If there are any of these symptoms then a doctor should be consulted- problem in understanding others, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, drooping on one side of the face, a problem in walking or balancing, troubling in seeing things, dizziness, sharp headache or trouble in swallowing. 

Not Painful

Of the previously mentioned symptoms, only headache is painful. People do not even realize when they are having a stroke, therefore a knowledge of its signs are important so that a person in need can be helped. 

When Identified

If a person is alone and is aware of having a stroke they should call an ambulance and not drive themselves. The symptoms can get worse really quickly and the person might end up making the situation worse for himself/herself or even harm others.