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By John Joseph
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Have you ever witnessed a person going about their day, everything feels normal, and then out of nowhere, it’s as if the rug is pulled from under them?
The right side of their body goes limp, words jumble up or won’t come out at all, and confusion sets in. Or sometimes they understand what you’re saying but what comes out of their mouth makes no sense at all.
This is what a stroke feels like; a sudden, uninvited disruption to the brain’s functioning. A stroke is like a bolt out of the blue – an unexpected and often devastating event where every second counts. It’s not just a medical emergency; it’s a battle against time to save brain cells and, ultimately, the life and future of the person affected.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. This isn’t just a brain issue; it’s a full-blown, life-altering emergency. Once again, a stroke happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off or significantly reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and essential nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die, which can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, or even death.
There are two main types of strokes:
1. Ischaemic Stroke: This is the most common type, caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, usually due to a blood clot.
2. Haemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in or around the brain. Though less common, this is more deadly, resulting from a blood vessel rupturing and bleeding into the brain.
The causes of stroke are closely linked to lifestyle choices and underlying medical conditions:
High Blood Pressure: The number one risk factor for stroke, as it weakens blood vessels over time.
Heart Disease: For example Atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, can lead to blood clots that may travel to the brain.
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time, increasing stroke risk.
Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, making them more likely to clog or burst.
Obesity and Physical Inactivity: Both contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Age: Stroke risk doubles each decade after age 55.
Family History: A family history of stroke increases the risk, likely due to shared genetic and lifestyle factors.
The symptoms of a stroke often come on suddenly and can be remembered with the acronym FAST:
Face drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb.
Arm weakness: One arm feels weak or numb.
Speech difficulties: Speech becomes slurred, hard to understand or the person may be unable to speak at all.
Time to call emergency services: If any of these symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is crucial.
Act FAST, and you might just outsmart this thief. When stroke symptoms appear, it is important for doctors to know the exact type of stroke as this will affect the type of treatment as both types of treatment have opposite effects.
After taking a history and performing a physical examination, doctors will conduct imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs to confirm the type of stroke and determine the appropriate treatment.
Blood tests, heart monitoring, and angiograms can also provide essential information.
Time is brain when it comes to this type of emergency. The treatment of stroke depends on its type:
1. For ischemic strokes, the primary treatment is to restore blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible.
Clot-busting drugs like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can be administered within a few hours of the first symptoms to dissolve the clot.
Mechanical thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to physically remove the clot, may also be performed.
2. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, may require surgery to repair the ruptured blood vessels and stop the bleeding. Medications to reduce brain swelling and control blood pressure are also used.
Preventing a stroke involves managing the risk factors:
Control Blood Pressure: Keep it within a healthy range.
Manage Diabetes: Maintain blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
Quit Smoking: Stopping smoking reduces stroke risk significantly.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol can increase blood pressure. A stroke is a silent, swift thief that steals not just physical abilities but also the very essence of who a person is. The key to surviving and thriving after a stroke lies in immediate action—both in prevention and in response when symptoms strike.
It is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires swift action to minimize damage.
Understanding the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing the preventive measures are crucial in combating this silent threat.
Remember, when it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost.