When a blood vessel in the brain breaks so that bleeding occurs into or onto the brain, or when a blood vessel to the brain is suddenly blocked so as to produce paralysis and unconsciousness, the condition is commonly called apoplexy. When an apoplexy or stroke occurs, the first step is to put the person at rest, allowing him to lie flat on his side while unconscious in order to prevent the tongue from falling back and producing choking. After the first recovery from a stroke, certain parts of the body may be found to be paralyzed. As the person recovers, the blood vessels work their way through the clot, and a return of function to some of the paralyzed parts may occur. People who are unconscious for long periods of time are sometimes unable to drink or swallow. Fluids must then be put into the body according to the method suggested by the doctor. Feeding of such people may also be difficult. Proper attention should always be given to the skin to prevent bedsores, which includes a daily bath with soap and water, the use of powder, and the prevention of continuous contact of the skin at any one portion of the body with the bed-clothing, since continuous pressure of the body on any one portion of it where the bones are near the surface will break the skin and result in a bedsore or ulcer.
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