Stroke Causes, Epidemiology, First aid.

Stroke
Causes
Stroke is caused by the death of brain cells as a result of interruption of blood fl ow to them, causing permanent disability. 
80% occur as a consequence of ischaemia, caused either by a thrombus formed inside a cerebral artery as a result of arteriosclerosis, or an embolism formed elsewhere in the body and carried to the brain. 
20% of strokes are accounted for by intracerebral haemorrhage due to rupture of a blood vessel, producing a clot displacing normal brain tissue and disrupting function.
Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs, ‘ministrokes’) last between a few minutes and a few hours, followed by complete recovery.
Epidemiology
Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK and accounts for 12% of all deaths.
Incidence increases markedly with age, and each year about 3% of the population over the age of 70 suffer a stroke.
Stroke affects women more than men in a ratio of 2:1. Symptoms and warning signs
diffi culty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia)
diffi culty walking
vertigo
numbness, paralysis or weakness, usually on one side of the body
seizure (relatively rare)
severe headache
sudden confusion
sudden decrease in the level of consciousness
sudden loss of balance or coordination
sudden vision problems (e.g. blurred vision, blindness in one eye)
vomiting.

Emergency aid
For someone who is conscious:
lay the individual down with head and shoulders slightly raised and supported. Incline the patient’s head to one side and place a towel or cloth on the shoulder to absorb any dribbling
dial 999 for an ambulance.
If unconscious:
maintain an open airway, and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary
loosen any clothing that might impede breathing
call an ambulance