What Is a Massive Stroke?

A massive stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This deprives the brain tissues of enough oxygen. This may have devastating consequences. Usually, a massive stroke is fatal, making the recovery long and delicate. However, if a quick response is made, the victim can recover.

Symptoms of a Massive Stroke

How severe the symptoms of stroke depend on the affected area. The following are the most common symptoms of massive stroke:

• Severe headache
• Frequent vomiting
• Recurrent neck stiffness
• A blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Balance problems
• Numbness and weakness on one side of the face
• Confusion
• Speech problems
• Rigidity that can lead to coma
• Having a difficulty in swallowing

Risk factors

A massive stroke is accelerated by the following risk factors:

• Family history: If a member of your family suffered a stroke in the past, the chances of you developing stroke are higher.

• Gender: Massive stroke affects men more than women. However, a massive stroke can be more deadly in women than men. Continued use of birth control pills and multiple pregnancies in women can also increase the risk of developing a stroke.

• Race: Native Americans, Hispanics, Asians and African-Americans are at a higher risk of developing a stroke.

Lifestyle factors

Certain lifestyle changes can increase one’s risk of developing stroke. Therefore, you are advised to embrace positive lifestyle changes for a healthy living. Excessive smoking, unhealthy/unbalanced diet, lack of adequate exercises, excessive intake of alcohol, and drug abuse are major contributors to stroke.

Medications and medical conditions

Taking birth control pills for a long time can increase the risk of getting a stroke. Moreover, other medications that thin the blood like Coumadin and Eliquis are also known to increase the risk of developing a stroke. There are also certain medical conditions that are related to stroke, and they include diabetes, obesity, heart problems, vascular-related complications, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and migraines. More conditions associated with stroke:

• A history of a transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• History of aneurysm and vascular abnormalities of the brain
• Malignant brain tumors
• Sickle cell anemia
• Hypercoagulable state related conditions
• Low platelets and hemophilia
• Uncontrolled blood pressure

Age

Research shows that people who are above 65 years old are more prone to stroke. However, if you have the following and you are over 65 years old, your risk is even higher: 

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obese
• Chain smoker

A massive stroke can cause death. It should, therefore, be treated carefully. If you come across somebody who has suffered a massive stroke, act fast. Call a doctor and don’t drive the patient to the hospital without the help of a doctor. He/she knows how to carry out first aid to save the life of the patient. Remember, the faster you act, the better for the patient.