What is a brain stroke?

The brain

The brain is the most complex organ in the body. It's divided into two sides, or hemispheres, each controlling the opposite side of the body and different areas of activity.

The left hemisphere controls cognition (thinking) and language, plus movement and sensation on the right side of the body. The right hemisphere controls functions involved in more visual-spatial skills, such as the ability to judge distances, size, form and where things are in space (which may affect skills such as map reading, for example), as well as movement and sensation on the left side of the body.

The brain regulates absolutely everything your body does – breathing, moving, sweating, sleeping, waking, feeling, your moods, thoughts and speech. To perform all these functions, it must have a constant supply of blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells.

Ischaemic stroke

There are two types of stroke. Ischaemic strokes are the most common, accounting for 80 per cent of cases. The artery is blocked by a blood clot, which interrupts the brain's blood supply.

This may be due to a cerebral thrombosis (sometimes called a thrombotic stroke), where a blood clot forms in one of the main arteries leading to the brain, or to a cerebral embolism (sometimes called an embolic stroke). Cerebral embolisms happen when a blood clot forms elsewhere in the body and is swept into the arteries serving the brain, travelling to a blood vessel small enough to block its passage. The clot lodges there, blocking the blood vessel and causing a stroke.

In atrial fibrillation, where the two upper chambers of the heart – the atria – beat irregularly instead of beating in a normal rhythmn, blood is not properly pumped out of the heart. As a result, a clot may form – if this lodges in an artery in the brain, a stroke may result. The American Heart Association says around 15 per cent of strokes are caused in this way, a cardioembolic stroke.

Blood clot strokes can be the result of unhealthy blood vessels clogging with a build-up of fatty deposits and cholesterol. Such material is called atheroma. (The body regards these build-ups as multiple, tiny and repeated injuries to the blood vessel wall and reacts as it would to bleeding from a wound, by forming clots.) Such narrowings are made worse by atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries. Fatty tissue or air bubbles may also form emboli, which cause stroke, especially after major trauma.

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

A transient ischaemic attack, often known as a mini-stroke, is a brief episode where some brain function is temporarily lost because of a short-lived disruption of the blood supply. Symptoms, such as weakness of a limb, last for just minutes (typically two to 15 minutes) before the blood supply returns and everything returns to normal, because the brain cells haven't suffered permanent damage.

Traditionally it has been said that if symptoms last less than 24 hours it's a TIA, but when symptoms persist for longer then a stroke has occurred. But with more powerful and sophisticated brain-scanning techniques, it has become possible to show that permanent damage (the real hallmark of a stroke) can usually be detected when symptoms last more than an hour or so.

TIAs are an important warning that all is not well with the blood supply to the brain and may be a sign of an imminent full-blown stroke. The risk of suffering a complete stroke within the first month after a TIA may be as high as 20 per cent, with the risk being even greater in the first few days following a TIA.

Haemorrhagic stroke

In the remaining 20 per cent of cases, strokes are caused by blood vessels in or around the brain rupturing and causing bleeding, or a haemorrhage. The build-up of blood presses on the brain, damaging its delicate tissue. Meanwhile, other brain cells in the area are starved of blood and damaged.

There are two types of haemorrhagic stroke: subarachnoid and intracerebral.

In intracerebral haemorrhage, bleeding occurs from vessels within the brain itself. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the primary cause of this type of haemorrhage.

In subarachnoid haemorrhage, an aneurysm bursts in a large artery on or near the delicate membrane (the subarachnoid space) surrounding the brain. Blood spills into the area around the brain, which is filled with a protective fluid, causing the brain to be surrounded by blood-contaminated fluid.

Strokes caused by the breakage or blow-out of a blood vessel in the brain can be the result of number of things:

• A cerebral aneurysm (ballooning of a weakened blood vessel in the brain), which is left untreated
• High blood pressure
• A cluster of abnormally formed blood vessels, where some blood vessels may be dilated or have thinner than normal walls (arteriovenous malformation); this means they are are more liable to burst

Aneurysms develop over a number of years and do not usually cause detectable problems until they break.

Causes of stroke

Each type of stroke has different causes. They include:

• Diseased arteries – blockage of the arteries is usually the result of athersclerosis, furring and narrowing of the artery walls with a mixture of cholesterol and other debris
• Aneurysm – a weakened spot on an artery wall causes it to stretch. The vessel wall may become so thin it bursts, causing bleeding into the brain (haemmorhagic stroke)
• Atrial fibrillation – this kind of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) can cause a blood clot to form in the heart, which then travels to the brain

 

Stroke symptoms

Symptoms generally appear suddenly and without warning, and the signs and symptoms of a stroke and a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are the same. They include:

• Sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis often down one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, leg or whole side
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or ability to understand what others are saying, or an alteration in speech, such as slurring words
• Sudden difficulty with walking, dizziness, loss of balance or co-ordination
• Swallowing difficulties

Other less obvious symptoms include difficulties in perception or thinking, mood swings and personality change.

If a stroke is suspected, it's vital to get medical help quickly. The sooner treatment is given the less damage there is likely to be to the brain tissue and the better the odds of a good recovery.

Who is at risk of a stroke?

Anyone of any age, including children, can have a stroke. However nine out of 10 of people affected are over 55. Certain risk factors increase the chances of someone having a stroke.

Stroke and lifestyle factors

Some risk factors are within your control. These are lifestyle factors such as:

• Smoking - smokers are at twice the risk of stroke
• Inactivity - people who are physically inactive are at twice the risk of stroke as those who are moderately active
• Alcohol - binge drinking and regular heavy alcohol intake increase the risk of stroke
• Diet - a diet high in salt and fatty foods is linked to high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which increase the risk of stroke

Stroke and medical factors

Some illnesses and medical conditions increase the risk of stroke. They include:

• High blood pressure - persistent, untreated hypertension is the major risk factor for stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Cardiovascular problems - existing blood vessel disease,angina, heart attack or a previous TIA and atrial fibrillation(a type of irregular heart beat) increase the risk of stroke
• Diabetes - diabetes doubles the risk of a stroke

Most of these can be treated.

Other stroke risks

Some risk factors are beyond your control and can't be medically treated. They include:

• Age - stroke is more common in people over the age of 55
• Gender - in the under-75s, men are more likely than women to have a stroke
• Ethnic background - south Asians, Africans and African-Caribbeans are at a higher risk of stroke
• Genetic inheritance - if you have a first-degree relative who had a stroke at an early age (under 50) you're at higher risk

How to survive a heatwave

While a spell of hot weather can be pleasant for many, for others, such as very young, elderly and seriously-ill people, it can pose a significant health risk.

Very hot weather can make heart and breathing problems worse.

 It is vital to keep well hydrated

Avoid strenuous activity

Slow down. When the body heats too quickly to cool itself safely, or when you lose too much fluid or salt through dehydration or sweating, your body temperature rises and heat-related illness may develop. Heat disorders share one common feature: the individual has been in the heat too long or exercised too much for his or her age and physical condition.

Seek out cool

Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place. This might not always be indoors, but a good tip is to find somewhere with air-conditioning. You might consider going to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day, says the NWS.

Drink plenty of water

Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. People who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid-restrictive diets or have fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limit caffeinated beverages.

Avoid too much sun

Seek out the shade and avoid sunburn as, not only is it damaging to the skin, it significantly limits the skin's ability to shed excess heat.

Dress sensibly

Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.

Think before you drive

Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. For example, a dark dashboard or seat can easily reach temperatures in the range of 82C (180F) to more than 93C (200F). Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.

5 Things About Coconut

Fresh coconut water have high levels of electrolytes and potassium

1. Fresh coconut water is very healthy as it has anti-viral, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
2. Coconut milk is a sweet, milky white liquid derived from the meat of a mature coconut. Water that is left in the centre of the coconut, some times incorrectly referred to as coconut milk, have high levels of electrolytes and potassium.
3. It's said to be anthelmintic and can destroy parasitic worms.
4. Dried unsweetened coconut is a great source of fibre.
5. Coconut oil can be heated to high temperatures without becoming toxic.

250ml of coconut milk (water with the pulp) = 535 calories

The Truth About… Digestive Biscuits

• Digestive biscuits originated in the UK and go as far back as 1876.
• The term 'digestive' is derived from the belief that they had antacid properties due to the use of sodium bicarbonate when they were first developed.
• The main ingredients in a digestive biscuit are wheat flour, sugar, malt extract, vegetable oil, wholemeal, raising agents (baking soda) and salt.
• Digestive biscuits are also the saltiest biscuits. Three with a cup of tea supply as much sodium.

1 digestive biscuit (15g) = 70 calories

How To Choose… Tetra-packed Fruit Juice

Pre-packed juices are always processed no matter if it says 100 per cent natural.

• Check the label carefully and avoid the ones that have additional sugars or flavourings added.
• Choose a juice that is 100 per cent juice and nothing else.
• Remember that all juices are full of sugar (fructose) and that they should not be part of your daily diet
• Be aware that pre-packed juices are always processed no matter if it says 100 per cent natural. Usually they have additional flavourings but because they are derived from orange essence and oil they therefore do not have to be mentioned legally.

100ml of orange juice (unsweetened) = 33 calories

Detox Diets May Do You More Harm Than Good

If the latest detox diet your friend swears by is something you have been thinking of giving a try, it is time to first get your facts right.
Quick-fix detox diets as recommended in several best-sellers and on the internet may do you more harm than good, nutritionists warn.
We need to understand that detoxification is a process of eliminating toxins from the body and it is a continuous discipline, not a one-time wonder. A balanced meal is what would help you eliminate toxins from your body basis, not once a week or a month or a year.
Detoxification means eliminating toxins – harmful chemicals – from the body and our body does this continuously through the colon, kidney, lungs, lymph glands and even the skin.
Detoxifying your body continuously is part of a healthy lifestyle. This process helps the body function in a more balanced way. Eat a balanced meal – four-five servings of fruits and vegetables and lots of water.
There are many easily available foods that you can include in your daily diet to ensure proper cleansing.
Herbal concoctions like cinnamon, fennel, cumin and mint boiled in water, also aid digestion and clear your system.
As environmental toxins and unhealthy foods like processed foods, build up excessive toxins in the body, high fibre food and water aid in a detox.
Occasionally, in extreme cases – like someone with a gastro problem or a medical condition that needs assistance with detoxifying – two or three days of a diet are recommended which cleanses the system. However, such diet is to be followed for not more than two or three days at a time and it varies according to the individual's requirement and must be done only under supervision.
According to nutritionists, most of the 'detox' diet programmes that recommend you adopt a certain dietary regimen for a couple of days to a few weeks, may not be good for your body. Even though such diets are becoming popular, there is not much scientific evidence to prove the health benefits of  a detox diet programme.The adverse effects, according to nutritionists could range from fluctuation in sugar levels to long-termeffects that your body undergoes due to this yo-yoing.

Unrealistic diet
For instance, if you decide by yourself to go on a water only or a liquid diet, or any other crash diet, the first thing to realize is that it is unrealistic and cannot be maintained. Just as in any other crash diet, you would lose muscle and water and the moment you discontinue the diet, you will regain the weight that you lost rapidly during such a diet when you end it. The worst part is the deficiencies you create in the body due to these forced crash diets. In the long-run, your weight will start yo-yoing, fluctuating.
Various studies have shown that yo-yoing could cause heart and blood sugar problems in the long term.
If this happens for a prolonged period of, say more than a year, it may not necessarily lead to obesity but would definitely lead to an increased percentage of fat, and other effects of malnutrition, like brittle bones, bad hair and bad skin.
In the long run metabolism gets affected and when one starts to consume food again, in a sudden about turn, the extra calories would lead to fat and weight gain. Going for an un-supervised crash or detox diet could also cause dehydration.
Some of the detox diets that have hit the popularity charts include the 28-day raw detox: It is based on a raw vegan diet and promises to kickstart your weight loss programme. 
Then there is the Master Cleanse or Lemonade Diet. This strict diet is based on consuming lots of water along with a combination of maple syrup and lemonade. While promises cleansing, the diet clearly states that half of the weight lost as a result would be regained as soon as you stop it.
There is also the Raw Food diet which involves consuming only uncooked food, and the Clean, Green and Lean, a four-week programme that promises to eliminate toxins that make you fat.

Medication Times

Dr. Google

How to Avoid the Health Risks of Vegetarian Diets

A vegetarian diet is that which is devoid of all animal products comprising of meat, fish, fowl, eggs and all dairy products. Not all vegetarian diets are created with proper balance keeping in mind the food pyramid. With the elimination of animal products from the diet it still does not give the guarantee of a health promoting diet.Vegetarian diet sometimes include large quantities of richly processed foods encompassing large amounts of oil, sugar, flour and also salt. If the vegetarians believe that leaving animal products alone will give them leverage from the devastating after effects of the dietary pleasure trap, they might be truly disappointed. It is said that some vegans have headaches? A vegetarian diet may be taken for many reasons: health, social or environmental, but it has its cons too. Some vegetarians may have to take vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and occasionally riboflavin as they become deficient in that.

A well-balanced vegetarian diet can give you many health benefits, like a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as the following: 
•    Obesity
•    Coronary artery disease
•    High blood pressure
•    Diabetes
•    Some of different types of cancer.
 
The principal behind any healthy diet is to select from a wide range of foods, and to acquire enough calories to meet the energy needs for better health. It is also important for a vegetarian diet to pay attention to these five categories especially.
•    Protein
•    Calcium
•    Vitamin D
•    Iron
•    Vitamin B-12

The ADA suggests the subsequent health tips for vegetarians:
•    Selecting whole-grain products such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, or whole-grain cereals rather than refined or white grains.
•    Eating a wide range of foods.
•    If you eat only dairy products, select non-fat or low-fat varieties.
•    Use eggs regularly.
•    Limiting the intake of sweets and rich fat foods.
•    Take a regular rich source of vitamin B-12.
•    Mostly vegetarian foods can be taken from any grocery store. Specialty food stores might carry some of the more rarely found items, along with many vegetarian convenience foods.

 

A vegetarian diet that is well-planned can meet nutritional requirements needed throughout all the stages of life. Those diets that are more restrictive vegetarian diets, like vegan and raw food diets are more likely to be hazardous for health. For health it is essential to follow the tips given for vegetarians.