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Stroke DictionaryA-E | F-J | K-O | P-S | T-Zparietal lobe: Allows us to process pain, pressure, and other physical sensations. It is also the area of the brain that allows us to identify objects. ptosis: Refers to a "droopy eyelid." receptive aphasia: The inability to comprehend the spoken or written word (often includes incoherent speech). reversible ischemic neurologic deficit (RIND): Symptoms last longer than those of a TIA. In fact, RIND symptoms generally last longer than 24 hours, but less than a week. Fortunately, however, RIND symptoms are transitory, occurring when blood flow to the brain is restricted temporarily. No permanent brain damage occurs, but RIND further increase the risk of having a stroke. right-hemisphere stroke: The right hemisphere of the brain controls the movement of the left side of the body. It also controls analytical and perceptual tasks, such as judging distance, size, speed, or position and seeing how parts are connected to wholes. A stroke in the right hemisphere often causes paralysis in the left side of the body. spinal cord infarction: A stroke either within the spinal cord or the arteries that supply it. It is caused by arteriosclerosis or a thickening or closing of the major arteries to the spinal cord. Frequently spinal cord infarction is caused by a specific form of arteriosclerosis called atheromatosis, in which a deposit or accumulation of lipid-containing matter forms within the arteries. Symptoms, which generally appear within minutes or a few hours of the infarction, may include intermittent sharp or burning back pain, aching pain down through the legs, weakness in the legs, paralysis, loss of deep tendon reflexes, loss of pain and temperature sensation, and incontinence. stroke: A form of cerebrovascular disease: disease caused by circulation problems and obstructed blood flow in the brain. When blood flow is compromised, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. Circulation in the vessels of the brain may be restricted by blood clots, bleeding in the brain, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Brain damage from this condition is permanent. Stroke injury can lead to paralysis, sensory problems, speech impairment, and even sudden death. subarachnoid hemorrhage: Occurs when a blood vessel just outside the brain ruptures. The area of the skull surrounding the brain (the subarachnoid space) rapidly fills with blood. A patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage may have a sudden, intense headache, neck pain, and nausea or vomiting. sudden death: Most fatal effects of stroke affect the brain stem, which controls autonomic functions (functions not under voluntary control) like breathing. Sudden death can occur if the stroke interferes with breathing functions. The stroke causes a sudden collapse, and emergency medical treatment is required. Even with medical treatment, many brain stem strokes result in sudden death. systemic hypoperfusion (watershed stroke): The reduction of blood flow to all parts of the body. It is most commonly due to cardiac pump failure from cardiac arrest or arrhythmias, or from reduced cardiac output as a result of myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pericardial effusion, or bleeding. Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen content) may precipitate the hypoperfusion. Because the reduction in blood flow is global, all parts of the brain may be affected, especially "watershed" areas --- border zone regions supplied by the major cerebral arteries. Blood flow to these areas does not necessarily stop, but instead it may lessen to the point where brain damage can occur.
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