A stroke can be a life-altering event. It is sudden and often comes without warning or symptoms, making it hard to prevent. But this does not mean you are absolutely defenceless before this medical emergency. Understanding what a stroke is, what its common causes are, and a few hidden signs can help you prevent and manage such situations better.
Stroke is a medical emergency that requires awareness amongst all individuals. A timely action can save lives and reduce lasting damage. At Dr Arun Karthik’s clinic, we believe in health education, and therefore, we have a detailed guide on strokes, so keep reading.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke, or as you might have heard, a brain attack, is a medical emergency that can cause long-term disability or even death. This occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced thereby leading to inadequate oxygen and nutrients reaching the brain cells.
Depending on the underlying cause, there are different types of strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke is one of the most common types of stroke. It occurs when there is a blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the brain, usually because of a blood clot or fatty deposits known as plaques.
Did you know that ischemic stroke accounts for about 87% of the total stroke cases?
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke is another common type of stroke that occurs due to a rupture or leakage in the brain’s blood vessels. Some common reasons that might lead to this situation are high blood pressure, excessive use of blood-thinning medication, and aneurysms.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) causes stroke-like symptoms for a short period of time. Therefore, it is also known as a mini-stroke. In most cases, this does not result in severe brain damage but is considered a serious warning signal for a possible future stroke.
Recognising Strokes At An Early Stage
One thing about strokes that you should know is that they are sudden, and in this medical emergency, time is everything. Therefore, identifying a stroke at an early stage can be life-saving.
To make this simple for you, we have an acronym for stroke symptoms, you must bear in mind- BE FAST:
- Balance – Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes – Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Face – Drooping on one side of the face
- Arms – Weakness or numbness in one arm
- Speech – Slurred or unusual speech
- Time – Call emergency services immediately if any symptoms appear
Identifying Individuals with a Higher Risk of Stroke
Strokes have been increasing at an alarming rate in the country, and the shocking part is their occurrence amongst different age groups. While it might not be possible to pinpoint a particular group that is at risk of strokes, several factors increase the chances of strokes in individuals of different age groups. Take a look at common stroke risk factors:
- High Blood Pressure
Consistent high blood pressure is considered one of the most common risk factors of stroke in the brain.
- Smoking Habits
Smoking is injurious to health in all possible ways. It damages arteries and increases blood pressure, which might lead to a stroke.
- Diabetes
Prolonged diabetes can damage blood vessels over time, which increases the chance of getting a stroke.
- Heart Diseases
Heart diseases are also considered one of the most common reasons for getting a stroke. Atrial fibrillation is a common heart disease with a high chance of stroke.
- Lack of Physical Activity or Obesity
Lack of physical activity or obesity may have a direct link with stroke, and it can also pave the way for several other diseases that can eventually lead to a stroke.
- Age and Family History
In many cases, it has been observed that the chances of a stroke increase with age. Problems with clotting factors due to genetic factors can cause stroke in young people and require detailed evaluation and different management.
Understanding Impact and Life After a Stroke
Stroke recovery timeline or the challenges faced after an individual has gone through a stroke vary depending on the kind and impact of the stroke. For your awareness, here are some common effects of a stroke:
- Physical Challenges
Some common physical challenges individuals face after a stroke include numbness, pain, paralysis, difficulty in controlling movements, etc.
- Speech and Language Difficulties
Some individuals might also face speech and language difficulties that affect the ability to read, write or speak.
- Cognitive and Emotional Changes
Cognitive and emotional changes are often less spoken about but can be challenging. Some common changes might include depression, anxiety, memory loss, difficulty in thinking, etc.
- Challenges in Performing Daily Activities
Sometimes performing daily activities like walking, eating, changing clothes, or bathing also becomes challenging.
Let’s Talk About Stroke Preventive Tips: Your Strongest Weapon
Contrary to popular belief, strokes can be prevented by treating the underlying conditions and diseases. Here are some preventive measures that you must know:
- Managing Health Conditions
Try managing common health conditions that increase the chances of a stroke, like high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Going for Regular Body Check-Ups
Irrespective of how healthy you feel, regular body check-ups are something you must not ignore. Go for regular body check-ups to identify risks at an early stage.
- Being Physically Active and Eating Right
Add physical activities to your everyday life and include vitamin and nutrient-rich food in your diet.
- Quitting Harmful Habits like Smoking
Take a pledge today to quit harmful habits like smoking and drinking for a safer and healthier future.
Did you know that almost 80% of strokes are preventable with the right preventive measures?
Summing Up
A stroke can be distressing and alarming, especially because it usually comes without warning signals. Despite the suddenness of strokes, you can make a few changes in lifestyle and focus on preventive measures to reduce the chances of getting a stroke. Always remember that stroke survival rates are high, so fighting back is your strongest weapon.
Do not forget to seek medical assistance for a stroke emergency treatment, under severe conditions.
Book a Consultation for More Queries
If you have a query or consultation regarding stroke or any other neurological challenge, we are here to help. Our clinic is headed by Dr Arun Karthik, a reputed neurosurgeon with several years of practice.
Book a consultation today online or simply step into our clinic.
