Stroke is the leading cause of disability and in many cases, they don’t have to be deadly. Early diagnosis and treatment of the stroke can limit the brain damage and improve the outcomes of treating it. 

When does a stroke occur?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain cuts off.

What are the symptoms of the stroke?

Symptoms of the stroke depend on how much of the brain tissue is deprived of blood supply. Symptoms of a stroke include:

• Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying

• Numbness of the face, arm or leg

• Problem seeing in one or both eyes

• Headache

• Trouble walking

What are the causes of Stroke?

There are two main causes of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke: It is caused by a blocked artery or leaking or bursting of a blood vessel and is the most common type of stroke. Blocked arteries are caused by fatty deposits that build up in the blood vessels or by blood clots that travel through the bloodstream.
Some research shows that COVID-19 infection may be a possible cause of ischemic stroke, but as of now, more study is required.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. Factors related to hemorrhagic stroke include:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Overtreatment with blood thinners

• Trauma

• Protein deposits in the blood vessel that lead to weakness

• Ischemic stroke leading to haemorrhage

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): It is also known as a ministroke in which you have a temporary period of symptoms similar to those you had in a stroke. They are caused due to the temporary decrease in blood supply to the part of the brain which lasts for five minutes.

Consult the doctor immediately if you think you or your loved ones are having a stroke.

Stroke can happen to anyone at any time. The best ways to minimise the risk and damage of stroke are awareness and prevention. The FAST test can be very helpful for the most common symptoms of a stroke:

F: Face Drooping

A: Arm Weakening

S: Speech Difficulties

T: Time

These signs can be easily noticed. If you notice a side of the face drooling while smiling then a person may be having a stroke. If someone experiences a slurred or strange speech, it may be a hint of an upcoming stroke attack. If you are facing any of the symptoms then immediately get in touch with a doctor.

Risk Factors of Stroke

There are various risk factors of stroke such as:

• Blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Heart and blood vessels diseases

• High LDL cholesterol levels

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Smoking

• Age

Babies who are less than a year are more at risk of having a stroke and at the younger age men are more prone to get a stroke. Women may suffer from a stroke during pregnancy or immediately after giving birth.

Preventing Stroke  (Prevention is better!!)

Lifestyle modification plays an important role in stroke prevention. Some of the ways by which stroke can be prevented includes:

• Eating a healthy diet

• Stress management

• Regular exercise

• Giving up smoking

• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption 

Case Study: 64-yr-old Mr Khan (name changed) from Oman presented at Sakra World Hospital with complaints of having multiple episodes of Transient Ischemic Attack (a warning sign of stroke) and left-sided weakness for the past one month. He was brought on a wheelchair and incontinent. Upon investigation, he was diagnosed with Right Internal Carotid Artery Severe Stenosis or narrowing of the large artery on the side of the neck that carries blood to the head, face and brain due to atherosclerosis (a condition where plaque build-up within the arteries). Mr Khan suddenly developed weakness on one side of his body which caused him to lose balance and fall most of the time. He also had multiple episodes of giddiness as warning signs previously. He consulted doctors and sought medical help at his native but his condition could not be improved. 

At Sakra World Hospital, he consulted Dr Swaroop Gopal, Director - Neuro Sciences, who upon examination and evaluation found severe calcified blockages in the neck artery and after counselling the family conducted Right Carotid Micro Endarterectomy (surgery used to treat carotid stenosis. Following the surgery, Mr Khan’s condition improved considerably. He became ambulant and content and in a few days has flown back to his home country to continue medical management and rehabilitation.