STROKE

STROKE - A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. A stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications. A stroke may be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people may experience only a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain (transient ischemic attack, or TIA) that doesn't cause permanent damage.

CAUSES

- Blood pressure readings higher than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)- Cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke- High cholesterol- Diabetes- Obstructive sleep apnea- Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart defects, heart infection or abnormal heart rhythm- Personal or family history of stroke, heart attack or transient ischemic attack.

SHOULDER-HAND SYNDROME

Shoulder-Hand Syndrome is a relatively common occurrence after stroke. Typically the person has a stroke which leaves them paralyzed on one side. Recovery of the paralysis varies between patients, but often the legs recover quicker then the upper extremity. For some unknown reason, some people are left with significant weakness in the upper extremity that can be quite painful. When the pain is severe in the hand and shoulder on the paralyzed side, the condition is known as Shoulder Hand Syndrome.

SYMPTOMS

-Shoulder Pain

-Hand Pain

-Numbness

-Elbow Pain

-Wrist Pain

-Tingling

CAUSES

Causes include injuries such as falling on the hand, breaking the wrist bone, heart attack, stroke, and possibly use of certain drugs (such as barbiturates). The precise way that shoulder-hand syndrome develops is not known, although some people seem more likely to develop the disorder than others.