Stroke nowadays is fairly common. It is one of the leading causes of death around the world.

Stroke, by definition, is the death of brain cells due to inadequate oxygen supply. This can be due to a number of causes such as blockage, narrowing and hardening of arteries that bring oxygenated blood to the brain.

Stroke symptoms depend on the area of the brain that is affected with oxygen deprivation as well as the amount of tissue damage. Cells need oxygen in order to perform their proper function. The brain cells, when deprived of such an essential need will cease to function, thus leading to stroke.

There are five major stroke symptoms. One of them is the loss of sensation or muscle weakness in one side of the body such as the face, an arm or a leg. Sometimes, a tingling sensation can also be felt in the affected area.

A sudden severe headache can also be a telltale symptom of stroke. Very painful headaches without any known cause should not be ignored. Having trouble walking, and losing balance and coordination can also be stroke symptoms. If there are times when one or both of the eyes begin to blur and vision gets impaired, these can also mean being at high risk with stroke.

Drooling, sudden confusion and trouble speaking and understanding are also stroke symptoms. These could mean that a specific area of the brain is not functioning properly.

The symptoms also depend on the type of stroke that you have. Stroke symptoms that come quite suddenly and very intensely are characteristic of embolic stroke. Symptoms that show gradually and less painfully are typical of thrombotic stroke.

When you have these stroke symptoms, visit your physician right away. Diagnosis of stroke is important because other diseases can mimic stroke. Meningitis, brain tumors and migraine can all seem like stroke. It is important to remember that stroke symptoms are not limited to stroke. That is, it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Stroke is an ominous illness that can be caused by other underlying conditions. It can lead to disability or paralysis, and in the worst cases, death. So, once you have observed some of the aforementioned signs of stroke, don’t just sit still and ignore it. You must have immediate treatment so that it won’t get worse. Prompt treatment of stroke can extend your life.