• Stroke is the second leading cause of death for people above the age of 60, and the fifth leading cause in people aged 15 to 59
• Each year, nearly 6 million people die from stroke.
• Stroke is responsible for more deaths every year than those attributed to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria put together
• Every two seconds, someone in the world suffers a stroke
• Every six seconds, regardless of age or gender – someone somewhere will die from stroke
• The lifetime risk of stroke is 1 in 5 for women, 1 in 6 for men
• Every six seconds, someone’s quality of life will forever be changed – they will permanently be physically disabled due to stroke
• Each minute after stroke attack, 1.9 million of neurons are lost.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke, also called a ‘brain attack’, is a medical emergency and a leading cause of death in the world. It happens when a blood clot blocks the blood flow in a vessel or artery or when a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. The result can be serious disability or death.
When either of these things occurs, brain cells begin to die.
When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that part of the brain are lost. These include functions such as speech, movement as well as memory. The specific abilities lost or affected depend on the location of the stroke and on its severity( i.e., the extent of brain damage) .
The Yashoda Hospital's neurology facility is one of the most advanced ones in Asia. Neurology treatment can be a risky affair but through the brilliance of the hospital's neurologists, the success rate for neurosurgery has been high. The facility is well equipped with the best technology the world can offer, along with a competent administrative and clinical staff. If a loved one is having stroke symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Stroke Symptoms
Signs of a stroke may include:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the body, especially on one side
• Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes, or difficulty swallowing
• Sudden, severe headache with unknown cause
• Sudden problems with dizziness, walking, or balance
• Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding others
Stroke Test: Talk, Wave, Smile
The F.A.S.T. test helps spot symptoms.
It stands for:
• Face: Ask for a smile. Does one side droop?
• Arms: When raised, does one side arm drift down?
• Speech: Can the person repeat a simple sentence? Does he/she slur while speaking?
• Time. Time is important. Call for an ambulance immediately if any symptoms are present.
Stroke: Time lost is Brain lost
While seeking treatment for stroke, every second counts. Each minute after stroke attack, 1.9 million of neurons are lost. Brain cells begin dying within minutes, when deprived of oxygen. There are clot-busting drugs also that can curb brain damage, but they have to be used within 4.5 hours of the initial stroke symptoms. Once brain tissue has died, the body parts controlled by that area will not work properly. This is why stroke is a major cause of long-term disability.
Risk Factors:
Certain chronic conditions increase your risk of stroke. These include:
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
Taking steps to control these conditions may reduce your risk. Certain behaviors also increase the risk of stroke:
• Smoking
• Getting too little exercise
• Heavy use of alcohol
Poor diet may also increase the risk for stroke in some significant ways. Eating too much fat and cholesterol may cause plaque-laden narrowed arteries. Too much salt can also contribute to high blood pressure. And, too many calories can lead to obesity. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish may help lower stroke risk.
Some stroke risk factors are beyond our control – like getting older or having family history of stroke. Gender also plays a major role, as men are more likely to have a stroke. But, more stroke deaths happen in women.
Diagnosing a Stroke
When someone with stroke symptoms arrives in the emergency ward of hospitals, the first step is to determine which type of stroke is occurring. There are two main types of strokes – Ischemic Stroke and Hemorrhagic Stroke – and they are not treated the same way. A CT scan can help the doctor determine whether the symptoms occurred due to a blocked blood vessel or a bleeding one. Additional tests may also be used to find the location of a blood clot or bleeding within the brain.
Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic Stroke is the most common type of stroke. About nine out of 10 strokes fall into this category. The cause is a blood clot that obstructs a blood vessel inside the brain. This clot may develop on the spot or travel through the blood from elsewhere in the body.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but far more likely to be fatal. They occur when a weakened blood vessel in the brain bursts. The result is bleeding inside the brain that can be difficult to stop.
What Causes a Stroke?
Hardening of the arteries – atherosclerosis – is a common cause of stroke. Plaque made of fat, calcium, cholesterol and other substances build up in the arteries, leaving little space for blood to flow. The blood clot may lodge in this narrow space and cause an Ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes often result from uncontrolled high blood pressure that causes a weakened artery to burst.
Emergency Treatment
For ischemic stroke, emergency treatment is focused on medicine to restore blood flow. A clot-busting drug is highly effective at dissolving clots and reducing long-term damage, but it must be given within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. However, hemorrhagic strokes are more difficult to manage. Treatment usually involves attempting to control high blood pressure, bleeding, and brain swelling.
