Stroke in Elderly

Among the various predisposing risk factors associated with stroke is age. Advancement in age is known to increase the risks of having a stroke, a condition that occurs when blood vessels supplying blood to the brain are blocked or raptured leading to brain cell death as a result of reduced oxygen and nutrients. When you experience any health problems, on call house doctors for Adelaide elderly patients are available to help.

Symptoms of stroke include;

• Vision impairment characterized by a blurred or double vision in either or both eyes.
• Speech impairment.
• Paralysis of the face, legs, and arms on either side of the body.
• Impaired coordination with difficulty in walking and maintaining balance.
• Severe headache and dizziness.

Stoke in elderly patients presents in different forms.

These include;

Hemorrhagic stroke

This results due to the rapture of blood vessels in the brain causing bleeding due to increased blood pressure, aneurysm, and use of medications such as aspirin that cause blood thinning. This eventually leads to brain cell death causing a stroke. Brain cell death in hemorrhagic strokes can result by either intracerebral hemorrhage or as a result of subarachnoid hemorrhages.

Ischemic stroke

This occurs as a result of reduced blood supply to the brain due to blockage of blood vessels supplying blood to the brain due to cholesterol buildup and blood clot formation. This reduces nutrient and oxygen supply to the brain resulting in brain cell death.

Transient ischemic stroke

Similar to ischemic stroke, transient ischemic stroke occurs due to reduced blood flow to the brain resulting from blockage. However, transient ischemic strokes are temporary and do not last for long periods of time.

Complications Associated with Stroke

Stoke is often associated with a very high risk of causing death and recovery from stroke is accompanied by various complications which include;

• Motor impairment and paralysis due to impaired signal transduction affecting the mobility of patients.
• Increased risk of developing infections.
• Increased cognitive impairment accompanied by memory loss.
• Increased pain and tingling sensations.
• Bladder dysfunction which leads to urine incontinence.

Incidences of stroke in patients can be prevented by;

Ensuring proper diet with low cholesterol and fat content which reduces the risk of having high blood pressure and blood clotting. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains is recommended.

Avoiding the intake of alcohol and tobacco which helps prevent clogging of blood vessels.

Maintaining proper weight which helps reduce heart-related complications that cause a stroke.