What is a Stroke?
Stroke is also known as “Brain Attack”. It is similar to a heart attack in nature. It has the potential to affect people of all age groups. The stroke happens when the blood supply directed toward the brain is cut off abruptly. Without blood, the brain cells are deprived of oxygen and other nutrients and hence the brain cell begins to die. The damaged caused by it is relational to the area of the brain it affects. Stroke affects people’s most basic functional aspects such as speech, mobility and their ability to think, feel or respond. Consequences of a stroke on a person depend on where it occurs in the brain and the amount of damage caused by it.
Is a Stroke treatable?
Though Stroke is a complex medical issue, there are effective ways to minimize its effects. Identifying early signs of stroke and seeking emergency medical care in the dedicated “stroke unit” minimizes the effects of it.
Stroke can be treated effectively if one seeks emergency stroke treatment in the initial 3-4.5 hrs. Also, an early access to the best professional care can significantly improve results.
What are the warning signs of a Stroke?
Symptoms of a stroke are sudden and unexpected. Here are the warning signs of a stroke:
1. Sudden, severe headache
2. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
3. Sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body
4. Sudden trouble speaking or understanding
5. Sudden trouble in walking, coordination and a significant loss of balance or dizziness
If you notice one or more of these signs, don’t worry or panic.
Call your emergency medical services and get to a hospital immediately.
6 Key facts about Stroke Treatment
1. You can make a positive difference by recognizing the signs of Stroke
Recognizing the signs of Stroke and getting the treatment on time saves lives and accounts for a speedy recovery.
If you think someone may have had a stroke, check for these signs quickly:
1. Face – Is one side drooping?
2. Arms – Raise both arms. Is one side weak?
3. Speech – Is the person able to speak? Are words jumbled or slurred?
4. Time – Act quickly. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
2. When cared for in a specialized stroke unit, around 1 in 10 diagnosed people make fast recovery
All the patients with stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) should be admitted to a specialized stroke unit, which involves a designated ward with a specialized team. This team includes a Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Neurointerventionist, Neuroradiologist and a Stroke rehabilitation specialist.
3. Provide the patient with clot-busting drugs (tPA or thrombolysis) and enhance his or her chances of recovery by 30%
Clot-busting drugs break up blood clots. This treatment can be administered up to 4.5 hours of symptom onset in many patients with ischaemic stroke. The earlier it is given, the greater the effect.
4. Provide the patient with clot retrieval treatment and enhance his or her chances of recovery by 50%
Clot retrieval treatment (mechanical thrombectomy) involves removing a blood clot from the large arteries by Neurointerventionists in the cath lab. Clot retrieval can improve survival rates and reduce disability for many people with ischaemic stroke caused by large artery blockage.
5. The most critical step in the treatment process is rehabilitation
Rehabilitation starts in the hospital by neurosurgeons as soon as possible post a stroke. It can improve the patient’s functionality and assist him or her in regaining maximum independence with time.
6. One in four survivors will have another stroke.
Stroke risk can be reduced by treating risk factors for stroke. Treatments that prevent another stroke include drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, antiplatelet therapies, anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, surgery or stenting for selected patients with severe carotid artery narrowing.
“Right Stroke Care Makes a Difference”
Join the fight against stroke.
Stroke affects all of us. So let’s take an action, a drive awareness and push for a better access to stroke treatments.
Learn how to contribute in spreading awareness and access with regard to a stroke.
Individuals
1. Be aware. Learn the signs of stroke and know to take immediate action.
2. Share this information with family and friends.
Learn How To Prevent A Stroke
Here are six steps anyone can take to reduce the risk and danger of a stroke:
1. Know your personal risk factors: High blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol.
2. Be physically active and exercise regularly.
3. Maintain a healthy diet- High in fruits and vegetables and low in salt to keep the blood pressure low.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
5. Avoid cigarette smoke. If you smoke, seek help to stop now.
6. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke.
To know more visit our best neurologists in Bangalore at our hospital
