Skip to main content

Paralysis (Stroke) - What is this disease?

Paralysis (Stroke) - What is this disease?

Dr. Prashant Shelar.

You have often heard the phrase, "loss of movement in the limbs." This kind of condition is known as paralysis or stroke. It occurs when a sudden disruption in blood flow affects certain parts of the body, leading to impaired function and a loss of strength in those areas.


Two types of disturbances in the blood vessels responsible for maintaining blood supply to the brain can cause this condition. One is an increase in blood pressure or thickening of the lining of the blood vessels, resulting in reduced flexibility and increased pressure due to age. The affected vessel may rupture, causing blood to flow uncontrollably. If the vessel responsible for blood supply is blocked, it shuts down. The cumulative result of these factors affects the function of the brain, impacting vital activities such as breathing and heart function. In severe cases, it can lead to death. However, increased pressure and the cessation of blood flow can be interrelated, and sometimes, even if blood flow stops, the muscles in the affected area may twitch.


In another scenario, a small clot may block a crucial blood vessel, causing a sudden halt to blood circulation. Sometimes, substances like cholesterol can build up, forming a plaque in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. If these plaques break off, they can create small clots that may block a blood vessel. This blockage can lead to a sudden stop in blood flow to the associated area of the brain, resulting in the death of nerve tissue.


Dealing with a patient who has experienced a disruption in blood flow in the brain is challenging, but timely intervention and appropriate treatment can benefit those suffering from paralysis due to a stroke. If there is damage to the left side of the brain, the right side of the body may be affected, or vice versa. Sometimes, stroke can be relatively mild, affecting only a part of the body, like the hand or leg. Immediate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial, as some patients may fully recover with proper rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation for stroke patients often involves physical therapy, avoiding muscle stiffness, massages, and boosting the patient's mental strength. However, complete recovery may not always be possible. Prevention measures, such as controlling diabetes, managing blood pressure, and emotional well-being, are essential in avoiding strokes.Patients with stroke often require extensive care, as they may have difficulty with activities like urination and speaking. Management of such complications is extremely challenging.


When both legs experience weakness simultaneously, it could be indicative of a condition affecting the spinal cord rather than a stroke. The pain experienced by the brain cells affected by this condition is different from the pain felt in the limbs.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Life history and contributions Carol Von Boenninghausen

Life history and contributions Carol Von Boenninghausen Baron Clemens Maria Franz Carol Von Boenninghausen was one of the noteworthy persons in the history of homeopathy. His contribution has enriched the profession of homeopathy to a large extent. Birth:- He was born in Netherlands on March 12 of 1785. He belonged to a royal family that had a great respect and honor in the society.  Education and later life:- He received his degree of Juris on 30th of August 1806 and was appointed as the lawyer at the supreme court of Deurentes. Being a versatile genius, he soon became the chief auditor in the court of Louis Napoleon. Later he was appointed as the royal librarian and chief of the topographical bureau from where he resigned in the year 1810. In the year 1812, he married and went to stay at a family estate at Western Prussia. Here, he engaged himself in the study of architecture and botany. He was the president of the provincial court (1816) of land registration which m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Life history and contributions of M. L. Sarkar

Life history and Contributions of M. L. Sarkar Birth:- Mahendra Lal Sarkar was born on the 2nd November, 1833. He was born in "Paikpara", a village 18 miles away from the Howrah city of west Bengal. Early life and Education:- At the tender age of 5 years Mahendra Lal Sarkar lost his father Tarakanath sarkar. He had his elementary education in a near by village school under the guidance of late babu Thakur Das Dey. Later on, till 1849 he studied in a free school by name David hare's school. This young man managed to get a junior scholarship and admission into Hindu college. where he studied up to 1854. After completion of his primary education, he was admitted in to the medical college. And in the next year he got married. After 6 years of medical study from 1854-1860, he got his L.M.S. degree. With the encouragement of Dr.Fayrerin the year 1863 he appeared to M.D. examinations and stood first. He was the second M.D from the Calcutta University. In his initi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Aphorism 89

Explained of Aphorism 89 Need of asking special questions.  When the patient has finished on his own accord his story of suffering and has answered to the questions of physician, but physician thinks that he had not made complete picture of disease then he is at liberty to ask some special questions.  Physician has to rely on patient for description of his sensation of suffering unless it is a case of malingering. Even feigned diseases can be diagnosed by close observation.  In footnote Dr. Hahnemann gives example of special questions, avoiding its frame to be suggestive in itself, like -  •How often are his bowels moved? What is the exact character of the stool? Did the whitish evacuation consist of mucus or faeces? Had he or had he not pains during the evacuation? What was their exact character, and where were they seated?  •What did the patient vomit? Is the bad taste in the mouth putrid, or bitter, or sour, or what? Before or after eating, or dur...
Post a Comment
Read more