Strokesaurus

Word Definition

Basal Ganglia

Part of the base of the brain that is important for coordinating movement.


For similar information see Brain and Cognitive

The basal ganglia is a part of your brain. 

It helps you move your body. 


See Brain and Cognitive

Basilar Artery

The basilar artery is an artery that supplies blood to your brain.


For similar information see Brain and Cognitive

The basilar artery is an artery that supplies blood to your brain


See Brain and Cognitive

Bilateral

Having to do with both sides of the body.

Bilateral means both sides of your body.

Blood Clot

A blood clot is a jelly-like mass of blood tissue formed by coagulating factors in the blood. Clots that get into the bloodstream can block the flow of blood to the brain and cause a stroke.


For similar information see Types of stroke

A blood clot is a bit like a lump of jelly in your blood. 

It forms when the blood sticks together. 

Blood clots can block the flow of blood to your brain. 

This can cause a stroke. 


See Types of stroke

Blood Coagulation

Coagulation or clotting is the process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel.


For similar information see Types of stroke

Coagulation is when the blood forms a clot. 

The blood changes to a jelly. 

This is to protect your body when you get a cut. 

The blood forms a clot to stop you bleeding. 

This is normally a healthy thing but the same process can sometimes cause a stroke. 


See Types of stroke

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured by a ratio of two numbers: systolic – registered during a heartbeat and diastolic – registered between heartbeats. Less than 120/80 is optimal. 140/90 or higher is high blood pressure or hypertension.


For similar information see Prevention

Blood pressure is how hard the blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. 

It is measured with two numbers. 

The first number is during a heartbeat. 

The second number is between heartbeats. 

It is best to have blood pressure under 120/80. 

If your blood pressure is over 140/90, you have high blood pressure. 

High blood pressure is also called hypertension.


See Prevention

Body Mass Index

BMI is short for body mass index, a numerical value of weight relative to height. BMIs are good indicators of healthy or unhealthy weights for adults, regardless of body frame size. A BMI of less than 25 indicates a healthy weight. A BMI over 25 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity. People with a BMI in the overweight or obese range are at increased risk for stroke.


For similar information see Prevention

Body mass index is a way of telling if your weight is healthy. 

It measures your weight and your height. 

Body mass index is also called BMI. 

A BMI under 25 is healthy. 

A BMI over 25 is overweight. 

A BMI over 30 is very overweight. 

You have more chance of have a stroke if you are overweight or very overweight. 


See Prevention

Botox

See Botulinum toxin.


For similar information see Procedures

See Botulinum toxin.


See Procedures

Botulinum Toxin

Also known by brand names Botox and Dysport. A highly toxic protein, sometimes used in minute amounts as a muscle relaxant with stroke survivors who have painful spasciticity or high tone in their muscles affecting their ability to walk and function.


For similar information see Procedures

Botulinum toxin is a type of medicine. 

It relaxes your muscles. 

Sometimes a stroke causes problems with your muscles. 

You might have painful and tight muscles. 

This can make it hard to walk or move. 

A small amount of botulinum toxin can help relax the muscles. 

It is also called Botox or Dysport.


For similar information see Procedures

Bradyarrhythmias

Slow, irregular heart beat.


For similar information see Types of stroke

Bradyarrhythmias is a type of problem with your heart. 

It is a slow, irregular heartbeat.


See Types of stroke

Bradycardia

Slow heartbeat.


For similar information see Types of stroke

Bradycardia is type of problem with your heart. 

It is a slow heartbeat.


See Types of stroke

Brain Attack

Another term for a stroke.


For similar information see Types of stroke

Brain attack is another name for a stroke.


See Types of stroke

Brain Haemorrhage

Also known as a haemorrhagic stroke. A brain haemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel or an aneurysm bursts in the brain, causing bleeding inside the brain.


For similar information see Types of stroke

Brain haemorrhage is a type of stroke. 

It happens when a blood vessel bursts in your brain. 

This causes bleeding in your brain. 

It is also called a haemorrhagic stroke. 


See Types of stroke

Brainstem

The brain structure that is the major communication route among the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It controls heart rate, breathing, and other vital functions.


For similar information see Brain and Cognitive

The brainstem is a part of your brain. 

It connects your brain, spinal cord and nerves. 

It controls your heartbeat, breathing and other vital functions. 

 

See Brain and Cognitive