Unlocking the Mystery of Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, Management and Prevention

The word “stroke” creates anxiety in the hearts of many people. It’s a medical emergency with life-altering effects, but it’s essential to understand its causes, symptoms, and prevention measures. We will explore the essential elements in this blog, from prevention to recovery, and offer hope for those affected.

Introduction

It is a medical condition that affects millions of people globally. It happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a blood vessel rupture. This disruption in blood flow can result in the death of brain cells, resulting in a variety of physical and cognitive problems.

Without a steady flow of blood, the brain cells in that area begin to die due to a lack of oxygen. It can be a life-threatening emergency situation in which every second counts. The quicker you receive treatment, the more likely you are to recover without disability.

Facts

• In 2021, stroke was the cause of 1 in 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease.
• Stroke is the most common cause of serious long-term disabilities.
• Strokes affect 1 in 6 people throughout their lifetime.
• Each year, around 15 million people worldwide suffer from stroke.
• Stroke is the most common cause of death in people over 60 years of age.

Risk Factors

• Age: Although stroke can happen to anyone at any age, the risk is higher for infants under 1 and for people as they get older.
• Family History: Your risk of having a stroke is higher if a parent or other family member has had a stroke, particularly at a younger age.
• Living or working in polluted places might potentially increase your chance of having a stroke.
• High blood pressure
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Poor diet
• Smoking
  
  

Types of Stroke

There are 3 main types of strokes:

• Ischemic Stroke: A blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain causes this form of stroke. Ischemic strokes are thought to account for 87% of all strokes.
  
• Hemorrhagic stroke: This form of stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing excessive pressure on brain cells and causing damage.
  
• Transient Ischemic Attack: TIA, often known as a “mini-stroke,” is caused by a momentary blockage of blood supply to the brain.

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

• Numbness in the face, arm, or leg especially on one part of the body.
• Confusion or trouble speaking.
• Immediate dizziness, lack of balance, and coordination.
• Sudden vision problems.
• Sudden severe headache with unknown cause.

BE-FAST to Identify and Manage it

BE-FAST and do the following test if you think someone may be experiencing it:

• B- Balance: Look for a quick loss of balance.
• E- Eyes: Look for vision loss, sudden blurred or double vision, as well as quick, painless loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• F-Face: Note any uneven smiles or facial drooping on one side.
• A-Arms: See if one arm is numb or weak. Request the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S-Speech: Ask the person to speak a short sentence. Is the speech unusual or slurred?
• T-Time: If you see any of the above signs, call 102 for an ambulance service immediately.

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Choose healthy food and drinks.
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking.
• Maintain cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Reduce your salt intake.

Key Points to Remember

• A stroke is a possible life-threatening emergency situation in which every second counts.
• Strokes affect 1 in 6 people throughout their lifetime.
• The risk is higher for infants under 1 and for people as they get older.
• There are 3 main types of strokes: Ischemic stroke, Hemorrhagic stroke and Transient Ischemic attack (TIA).
• BE-FAST to identify and manage stroke.
• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

Conclusion

This kind of major medical issue must be treated right away. It is possible for people and communities to take proactive actions to reduce the impact of this terrible disease by being aware of the warning symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures. Strokes can be both prevented and managed in the future, guaranteeing a higher standard of living for all, by prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness.

References:

7 things you can do to prevent a stroke. (2013, May 14). Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke

Stroke First Aid: Do you know what to do when seconds count? (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.baystatehealth.org/news/2021/05/what-to-do-when-you-spot-a-stroke

Stroke: Signs, Causes, and Treatment. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/stroke

Stroke—Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH. (2023, May 26). https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/stroke/causes

Types of stroke | Stroke Association. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/types-of-stroke