History of the Disease Condition, Essay Example

A stroke is a particularly troublesome medical event that can cause permanent damage and even death.  Its presence is indeed drastic, as Feigin (2005) notes that it is the primary cause of disability in the United States and the second-most common cause of death in the world.  A stroke is met with a range of treatment and prevention options.

General Information

Historically the stroke has seen improved numbers.  As reported by the National Stroke Association (2010), the death rate due to stroke has improved, with it falling 33.5 percent from 1996 to 2006.  The actual number of strokes has likewise dropped by 18 percent, marking a great deal of progress, likely due to increased prevention and medical resources.

Generally speaking, a stroke can occur to anyone, regardless of age, race, sex, and other demographics.  According to the National Stroke Association, 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year (2010).  Additionally, African Americans have an increased risk for stroke, compare to whites.

There are a number of risk factors for stroke.  High cholesterol, previous strokes or mini-strokes, high blood pressure, heart disease, carotid artery disease, and atrial fibrillation are among the medical risk factors for stroke.  Smoking, drinking a lot of alcohol, and being overweight are common risk factors that are lifestyle-related.

Signs and Symptoms

It is first important to identify the two types of stroke.  The vast majority of strokes are ischemic, which occurs when arteries are blocked by blood clots or plaque and fatty deposit buildup. Less common, but more dangerous, is the hemorrhagic stroke.  In this type of stroke blood is leaked into the brain, due to a blood vessel in the brain breaking.  Each type has particular symptoms that are unique to the type, though this is outside of the scope of this brief analysis.

There are many symptoms associated with a stroke.  Vision impairments, such as dizziness, loss of balance and coordination, and difficulty seeing are common.  Difficulties in comprehension, speaking, and indicators of confusion are also symptoms of a stroke.  Numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, are also common stroke symptoms in sufferers.

Most of these signs and symptoms occur suddenly.  They can last from seconds to minutes.  Relative to early recognition, it is possible for stroke signs and symptoms to not progress.  This makes it important for sufferers to seek medical advice in preventing a full stroke episode.

Treatment

Ischemic strokes are treated with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) soon after its onset in emergency situations to increase the chance of survival and recovery.  Aspirin or aspirin combined with another antiplatelet medicine may also be given.  Blood pressure isn’t treated immediately, unless systolic pressure is over 220 millimeters of mercury and diastolic is more than 120 mm HG.

Hemorrhagic stroke treatment is more difficult.  Medications to control blodd pressure, blood sugar levels, fever, brain swelling, and seizures can be used.  Restlessness, confusion, headaches, and difficulty following commands is monitored due to its increased pressure on the brain.  Measures are also taken to limit coughing, vomiting, lifting, or straining to change position or pass stool.  Surgery to control a large amount of bleeding or to repair an aneurysm may be done.  This is dependent on the location of the aneurysm and the condition of the patient undergoing the hemorrhagic stroke.

Prevention

Although managing risk factors is small, its effect is questioned (see Thomson 2009).  In this high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation are located as important in such measures. Drinking in moderation and stopping smoking are also important.

Watching one’s diet is also important in help preventing stroke.  A lower sodium diet and controlling high cholesterol are important.  Those who have diabetes or circulation problems should consult with their doctor as well.  Increasing exercise is another of many ways that can reduce the risk of stroke.

Conclusion

A stroke is particularly troublesome for many people.  As strokes are near the top of lists related to the cause of death, it is important for patients of past strokes and for those at risk to be aware of the factors, signs, and steps taken to prevent strokes.  Also, being aware of early warning signs can be an important step for many individuals who may experience even the most subtle warnings of a possible stroke.

Overall advances have seen improvements in the numbers relating to strokes.  However, they continue to be damaging to many individuals, due to the wide number of risk factors that are targeted.  Perhaps further methods and awareness will be integral in making further progress.

References

Feigin, VL (2005). “Stroke epidermiology in the developing world.” Lancet 365 (9478); 2160-1.

National Stroke Association (2010). “Fact Sheet.” Retrieved from http://www.stroke.org/site/DocServer/STROKE_101_Fact_Sheet.pdf?docID=4541.

Thomson, R (2009). “Evidence based implementation of complex interventions.” British Medical Journal 339; b3124.