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Glossary of Stroke TermsAphasia: A total or partial loss of the ability to use words and language. Apraxia: Inability to plan and carry out steps of a complex task in the right order. Atherosclerosis: The buildup of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries, which results in narrowing of the vessels. Fatty deposits can be the result of cholesterol deposits. Cognitive ability: This is the way we think or the thought process that goes into daily functioning. Diplopia: A condition in which patients “see double.” Dysarthria: A condition in which the muscles of the mouth, face, neck and throat are weakened or paralyzed. This weakness may cause a drooping of one side of the face or the lips. This makes it difficult to say words correctly, often causing speech to be slurred and difficult to understand. Dysphagia: Difficulty, discomfort or an inability to swallow Embolic Stroke/Embolus: Occurs when a clot originates somewhere other than in the brain and is carried by the blood to the brain where the arteries branch off into smaller vessels. The clot reaches a point where it can go no further and plugs the vessel, cutting off the blood supply. This mobile clot is called an embolus. Emotional Lability: Spontaneous and uncontrolled emotional reactions; for example, crying or laughing easily for no apparent reason. Hemiparesis: Weakness on one side of the body. Hemiplegia: Paralysis or inability to move one side of the body. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain breaks, spilling blood into the brain tissue or into the area surrounding the brain. Hydrocephalus: A condition caused by an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. This can create dilatation of the ventricles of the brain and cause increased pressure or swelling of the brain. Ischemic Stroke (Thrombotic Stroke): Occurs when the blood flow in an artery of the brain is blocked due to a clot. Paresthesia: Pain, numbness or odd sensations of tingling or prickling. Stroke: A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When this happens, the part of the brain not getting blood flow starts to die. TIA (Transcient Ischemic Attack) or “mini stroke”: A temporary (lasting minutes to hours) episode of neurological symptoms. When one occurs, a stroke could be imminent. |
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Colorado Neurological
Institute Stroke Center
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