What is Stroke?
Stroke is also known as transient ischemic stroke or cerebrovascular accident. Stroke happens when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked. When brain does not receive blood, it also gets deprived of the essential nutrients and oxygen required to function. This may also cause brain cells to die and even death in some cases.
What are the effects of Stroke on body?
Stroke may damage the brain or cause long lasting damaging effects. It can even lead to death.
I stroke cases stroke a cause a long-term disability and patients can even go under paralysis.
Cases of numbness in one part of the body has also been observed as the damage caused by a stroke.
What are the two types of Stroke
- Ischemic Stroke: Stroke that is caused by lack of blood in the brain is called an ischemic stroke. Most of the strokes reported have been Ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is further divided into two parts:
- Thrombolytic Stroke: Stroke that is caused by a blood clot in the brain is called thrombolytic stroke
- Embolic Stroke: Stroke that is caused by blood clot in any part of the body and then travels to the brain is called embolic stroke.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: Stroke that is caused by any blood vessel getting ruptured in the brain leading to blood flowing out of the arteries is called Hemorrhagic Stroke. Besides brain not getting the blood to function, hence the essential nutrients and oxygen, it also creates swelling and irritation in the brain causing brain damage.
There are 2 types of Hemorrhagic Stroke:
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage: In this, the bleeding happens from the blood vessels in brain.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: In this, the bleeding happens from the subarachnoid membrane of the brain or the space between the brain and membrane that covers the brain.
What are the symptoms of Stroke
The symptoms of stroke can be easily understood by understanding the meaning of BE FAST
B: Balance of eyes
If anyone see to have a drooping eye, non-symmetry between the eyes, eyes not looking normal, can be a sign of stroke. It is very easy to identify the changes that come on face and a patient undergoing this symptom can also understand and verify this on their own.
E: Blurred Vision
Suddenly and surprisingly, if you observe a loss of vision or a blurred vision is a very common sign of a stroke. Any person would understand, if the number of your eyes change, it cannot happen overnight, it takes its own time. However of the vision starts getting blurry all of a sudden, it calls for an immediate consultation with your neurologist. You may visit emergency as well, if it is coupled with one or more other symptoms of stroke.
F: Face Drooping
Face Drooping also called as Face paralysis, happens when the nerves or muscles controlling the face happens to be damaged. It a very clear indication of a stroke and one must immediately call their Neurologist or visit the hospital in emergency for treatment.
A: Arm Weakness
Try moving or arms, if any one or both arms, feel weak and you feel the need of a support while raising or moving an arm, the stroke paralysis is spreading in the body and the blood clot as forced. Seek medical attention by a neurologist immediately.
S: Slurred Speech
Your words may not be clear, your lips may be drooping downward on either side, you may find it difficult speaking or also while brushing.
T: Time
This is the most important segment that not talks about symptoms, but how to diminish the symptoms and find a cure. This is Time. Stroke has a 45 minute window. If you are lucky enough to understand these symptoms as that of a stroke, then you may also be the smart enough person to find its treatment within the window time. Reach the emergency on time or reach your neurologist OPD on time, so that necessary medications can be given to reverse this. Remember the sooner we identify, the least damaging it is and the treatment is also inversely invasive.
How can you prevent a Stroke
To prevent a stroke, it is important to know if you own any risk factors. Visit a medical professional for understanding risk factors of stroke associated with your body. Besides them, there are 10 things that you need to follow, to be able to prevent stroke and also curb the risk factors associated.
- Consume a healthy diet
- Drink lots of water
- Ensure physical activity of 3-5 hours a week
- Avoid Alcohol
- Quit Smoking
- Keep a healthy weight
- Keep check on your cholesterol levels
- Maintain your sugar/diabetes levels
- Take ongoing medications on time
- Visit your healthcare professional regularly
A healthy life comes with a lot of responsibility and keeping a watch at everything you do and a strong view on the changes that your body shows. You can save you from a Stroke as you know your body best. Also some awareness on common diseases go a long way in ensuring a good health for yourself and also your family and friends.
Myths related to Stroke
| MYTH | FACT |
| Stroke is difficult to identify | You can easily identify a stroke by BE FAST |
| Stroke is painful | Pain is not a symptom of stroke |
| If it’s a minor stroke, it doesn’t need to be treated | Any stroke small or big, needs immediate attention. A minor stroke can lead to a high risk or a repeat stroke |
| If stroke symptoms diminish, you do not need any treatment | You are lucky it was a light stroke, do not risk your life by not treating it. It may be a more intensive stroke next time |
| Aspirin can ease the symptoms of stroke | Do not take any medication, without knowing the type of stroke it is. It make may your condition worse if it is hemorrhagic stroke |
| There is no life after stroke | Most of the stroke symptoms can be reversed if treated on time. Even if patients do not reach emergency on time, there are other treatments available |
| Strokes are non-hereditary | Stroke are definitely hereditary |
| Stroke cannot be prevented | Stroke can be prevented by lifestyle changes and understanding of risk factors |
Dr Manoj Khanal is a Stroke specialist and has treated many patients overtime. With more than 18 years of experience as a leading neurologist and more than 3000 happy patients treated with time, he is considered as the Best Neurologist in Delhi. Many patients travel from across India and the World to get treated by Dr Manoj Khanal. He is a humble neurologist who loves to serve his patients and his compassion, empathy and care making his a renowned neurologist.
Dr Manoj Khanal is available at Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh for appointment.