The human brain is a complex organ that controls all bodily movements. It sends and receives electrical signals across the body that allow you to breathe, communicate, memorize, see your surroundings and move. Moreover, like any other organ, the brain also needs an adequate blood supply. The heart supplies blood to the brain through blood vessels. However, certain lifestyle choices can cause damage to these blood vessels, resulting in a brain stroke. Learn more about brain strokes and how health insurance can help manage the treatment costs.

All About Brain Strokes

A brain stroke occurs due to the rupturing of a blood vessel in the brain. A stroke can also occur when the blood supply to the brain gets blocked. Due to ruptures and blockages, blood and oxygen cannot reach the brain. A lack of blood and oxygen damages the brain cells, and they start dying instantly.

Brain Stroke Symptoms

• Paralysis
• Slurred speech
• Numbness on one side of the body
• Balance and coordination issues
• Vision problems
• Difficulty in understanding speech
• Seizures
• Severe headaches
• Reduced mobility
• Cognitive impairment

Brain Stroke Causes

Conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, sickle cell anaemia, and diabetes impact blood vessels and can lead to strokes. Cardiovascular genetic disorders can cause blockage in the blood vessels. Certain medications, like blood thinners, can increase your chances of having a stroke. Heavy alcohol and tobacco use can also damage the arteries.

Types of Strokes

• Ischemic stroke: This type of stroke occurs due to reduced blood flow to the brain. The blood vessels become narrow due to fat deposits along the inside sections of the blood vessels.

• Hemorrhagic stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and leaks. The leaked blood creates excess pressure and swells the brain, leading to damaged brain cells and tissues.

Brain stroke treatments involve

• Continuous medication to prevent further brain damage
• Surgery to remove leaks
• Carotid endarterectomy
• Rehabilitation

A critical illness health insurance policy can cover the long–term costs associated with brain stroke treatment. The sum insured for a critical illness plan is usually high. The insurer pays the lumpsum sum insured amount, which the insured party can use towards treatment, medication, and other necessary expenses during the course of the treatment.

Patients may also need to undergo a series of tests like Computed Tomography (CT) scans and X–rays to detect brain leaks constantly. A critical health insurance plan can help pay for these tests.

Additionally, the health insurance plan covers rehabilitation costs levied by physiotherapists, speech therapists, psychotherapists, and other medical professionals who help patients regain the skills lost due to the stroke.

Medical treatments can drain your savings quickly. A health insurance policy can protect your savings while providing the best health care facilities. Today, you can buy your health insurance online directly through the insurance company’s website. Ensure you check the terms and conditions, waiting period and sum insured before purchasing the policy.