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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT STROKE

Jul 09 , 2020 | 3 min read

“Awareness” is crucial in connection with stroke. Studies show a direct correlation of improved results with speedy onset-to-treatment time (OTT). And that’s why, in treating stroke, the memorable phrase is “time equals brain.” The quicker the treatment, the less the damage and the better the outcome.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the India. On average, one stroke-related death occurs every four minutes, or nearly 130,000 deaths each year. Approximately 800,000 persons a year will experience a stroke. It is the leading cause of long-term disability and the number two cause of death worldwide.

A stroke occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a portion of the brain is blocked. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die after a few minutes. Sudden bleeding in the brain also can cause a stroke if it damages brain cells. If brain cells die or are damaged because of a stroke, symptoms occur in the parts of the body that these brain cells control. A stroke is a serious medical condition that requires emergency care. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability or even death.

Eighty seven percent of all strokes are ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain. The other type is a hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by a bleeding blood vessel in the brain.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a “mini-stroke,” or “warning stroke,” that produces temporary stroke-like symptoms with no lasting damage. Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce a person’s risk of a major stroke, as TIAs can be the precursor of a full stroke.

Many patients ignore a TIA. But being attentive is vital, as the risk of major stroke following a TIA is particularly increased in the subsequent first few weeks. Depending on the TIA cause, a doctor can help reduce the risk of stroke with medications and/or lifestyle changes.”

The acronym F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke.

Face drooping,
Arm weakness,
Speech difficulty,
Time to call emergency helpline number

Signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination and sudden severe headache with no known cause.

The major risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, coronary heart disease, brain aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), age and gender. Stroke risk increases as one gets older and at younger ages, men are more likely than women to have strokes. However, women are more likely to die from strokes. Women who take birth control pills also are at a slightly higher risk of stroke. Personal or family history of stroke or TIA also plays a role. In addition to those who benefit from medications to help prevent stroke, following a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of stroke.

Stroke treatment has vastly improved.

Historically stroke was a disease we didn’t do a lot for in the past. There was nothing done in terms of acute care. Times have changed a lot. Today, it’s a disease for which treatment has changed significantly. In addition to improved medications and surgical procedures, one of the most important aspects to stress is how time-sensitive stroke is in terms of when a person has a symptom. A lot of people still tend to sweep aside the symptoms. It is really important for patients and families to learn these symptoms cannot be ignored.

“From a patient perspective, what is crucial is to call the emergency helpline number and to make sure to pick a good hospital. Even if patients arrive at one not specializing, after being stabilized in a primary care stroke center, they can ask if that hospital is willing to transfer them to a comprehensive stroke center.

It is also important to know that anyone can have a stroke at any age.

In addition to diligence due to significant family history of heart disease or stroke, routine or early follow-up screening with a primary care physician can help to make sure people are controlling any other risk factors.