Strokes

[Sqad]

Might I be allowed to clear up some aspects of a “stroke” as there appears to be some confusion.

A “stroke” is not a medical diagnosis as such, but a term which is convenient for both the medical profession and the public.

A “stroke” is when certain parts of the brain, ceases to work and eventually dies and this is due to a problem with the blood vessels supplying blood to that part of the brain. Those blood vessels may be blocked by a blood clot or may have burst causing bleeding.

Depending upon which blood vessels to which particular area is blocked, the symptoms may be, paralysis to the face or tongue, weakness of one arm or limb or both and slurring of speech. Depending upon the size and position of the affected artery will depend upon which of the above symptoms are apparent.

A stroke is a stroke and the terms minor or major are not particularly helpful.

Transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) are something completely different in that there is no damage to the brain because the attacks are “transient”, they don´t disrupt the blood supply long enough to damage the brain.

Jemisa has given an excellent resume of the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

[dinkydoo]

me thinks that someone is very jealous of your popularity on here sqad, keep up the good work, we all appreciate your help :-))))

[carlton23]

Just for the sake of it annesquith, are you qualified to answer medical queries? Sqad has been on AB for ages and we trust him to help us when worried about minor illnesses, and if there is anything remotely suspicious he will rec`d a visit to our own GP.

[anneasquith]

your slapped knuckles have been issued and accepted carlton, i have no wish to intrude on any aber giving advice.

[masma]

Sqad - thank you for your kind words. Yes she did have an MRI scan, when I was shown the screen almost a quarter at the back of her head seemed to be white, I assume that was the bleed. I'm the youngest (63!) of 9 children but all resposiblility seems to fall on me. I gave the ok for a D.N.R. and my family blame me (I think) for letting her die.