It is common for aged people to slip in the washroom and end up in a paralytic state. It leads to disability for the rest of life and huge cost of medical management. By keeping blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar under control, many of these disabilities can be minimised. It is, therefore, important to understand stroke and its impact on our health.
Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), cerebrovascular insult (CVI), or brain attack, is because of the sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood flow or rupture of an artery to the brain.
There are two main types of stroke: Ischemic, which is due to lack of blood flow, and Hemorrhagic, which happens due to bleeding. Both result in part of the brain not functioning properly. Mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.
Symptoms of stroke
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body); trouble speaking or understanding speech; problem seeing in one or both the eyes; struggle in walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and severe headaches with no known cause.
Strokes can lead to long-term problems. Depending on how quickly it is diagnosed and treated, the patient can experience temporary or permanent disabilities in the aftermath of a stroke.
In addition, patients may also experience bladder or bowel control problems, depression, pain in the hands and feet that gets worse with movement and temperature changes, and paralysis or weakness on one or both sides of the body.
How to diagnose a stroke
The acronym FAST is a way to remember the signs of stroke, and can help towards identifying the onset of stroke in someone. F is for facial drooping when the person is asked to smile; A is for arm weakness where the arm drifts when raised; S is for speech that is slurred or cannot be understood; and T is for time to act fast by dialing 102 and getting to a hospital at the earliest.
Stroke is diagnosed through several techniques like neurological examination (such as the NIHSS), CT scans (most often without contrast enhancements) or MRI scans, doppler ultrasound, and arteriography. Imaging techniques are used which assist in determining the subtypes and cause of stroke. Blood test also help in diagnosing stroke.
Ways to Prevent Strokes
The precautions are simple. Maintain blood pressure of 80-120, with BMI at 25 or less. Exercise moderately at least five days a week and drink alcohol moderately. If you have atrial fibrillation (irregular rhythm), get it treated. For patients above 45 years, who are at risk of stroke or other heart disease, physicians recommend 75 mg of Aspirin once daily. Ensure a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in cholesterol and saturated fats. And say no to smoking completely.
Fast facts on stroke
During stroke, brain cells may die due to deficit of oxygen. Ischemic stroke can be treated with ‘clot-busting’ drugs. Hemorrhagic stroke is treated with surgery to repair or block blood vessel weakness. To minimise brain damage treat stroke immediately, depending on its type. The most effective way to prevent strokes is through maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dr M Wali is a Consultant Physician to President of India. Dr Bhavya Tyagi is Medical Officer and Fellow of Intensive Care Medicine, New Delhi