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When the blood supply to the brain is suddenly halted due to blockage in the blood vessels, resulting in specific symptoms and signs, this condition is known as Stroke. A recent Lancet study suggests that the incidence of brain strokes is expected to increase by 50 percent in younger individuals. Stroke is globally ranked as the second leading cause of death, with an annual mortality rate of approximately 5.5 million. The impact of stroke extends beyond high mortality, as up to 50% of survivors experience chronic disabilities. Stroke presents a substantial and increasing public health burden due to demographic transitions, particularly in developing countries.
Strokes are generally classified into two major categories: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs due to the interruption of blood supply to a part of the brain, resulting in a sudden loss of function.
Recognizable symptoms and signs of a stroke include numbness or weakness in the face, arm, and leg, sudden confusion, difficulty in speaking or understanding speech, dizziness, loss of balance, and trouble walking. The impact of a stroke can lead to permanent or temporary damage to a part of the brain, potentially causing death or long-term disability, according to a statement issued by the hospital.
Fortunately, preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of 90% of brain strokes. These measures include avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, restricting the intake of sodium, meat, and sweets, and undergoing regular health check-ups.
A stroke is a life-threatening condition resulting from insufficient blood flow to part of the brain, typically due to a blocked artery or brain bleeding. The lack of blood supply leads to the death of brain cells due to oxygen deprivation.
IMPORTANT: A stroke is a medical emergency where prompt action is crucial. If you or someone shows stroke symptoms, call your local emergency services number immediately. Prompt treatment increases the likelihood of recovery without lasting disability.
To identify stroke warning signs, remember the acronym BE FAST:
Various brain regions govern distinct functions, so stroke symptoms are contingent on the affected area. For instance, a stroke impacting Broca’s area, responsible for coordinating facial and mouth muscles for speech, may result in slurred speech or difficulty speaking.
Stroke symptoms may include:
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly known as a "mini-stroke," mimics a stroke, but its effects are temporary. TIAs serve as warning signs, indicating a heightened risk of an actual stroke in the near future. Given this risk, individuals experiencing a TIA should seek emergency medical care promptly.
Hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes can occur due to various causes. Blood clots are typically the cause of ischemic strokes. Various brain stroke reasons are:
There are various conditions and factors that can increase a person’s stroke risk. These include:
A combination of a neurological examination, diagnostic imaging, and other tests are employed to diagnose a stroke. During the neurological examination, you'll be asked to perform specific tasks or answer questions. Your doctor observes telltale signs indicating issues with certain brain functions. Common tests conducted when a stroke is suspected include:
Ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) management involves a combination of medicines and medical procedures.
The primary medication for an ischemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which breaks up blood clots obstructing blood flow to the brain. Administered through a vein in your arm, tPA should be given within 3 hours of stroke symptoms onset. In certain cases, it may be considered up to 4.5 hours later, especially if substantial brain damage hasn't occurred. If tPA is not an option, anticoagulants or blood-thinning drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel may be prescribed to prevent clot formation. However, these medications pose a risk of bleeding.
To restore blood flow to the brain, a procedure may be necessary.
For hemorrhagic stroke management, immediate medical intervention is crucial. It includes:
Medanta the Medicity, Gurugram, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, KIMS Hospitals, Hyderabad, Fortis hospital, Bengaluru, and Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai are some of the are the best brain hospitals in India.
Dr Sandeep Vaishya, Dr Vikas Kathuria, Dr Rajvendra Singh, and Dr Manoj Miglani are some of the are the best doctors for brain stroke treatment India.
Q1: What is the main cause of brain stroke?
A: The main cause of brain stroke insufficient blood flow to part of the brain, typically due to a blocked artery or brain bleeding. The lack of blood supply leads to the death of brain cells due to oxygen deprivation.
Q2: Can brain stroke be cured?
A: Yes. Brain stroke be cured if provided prompt medical care.
Q3: Can you recover from stroke?
A: Yes. One can recover from stroke after effects over a period of time. The patient must follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider to recover well.
Q4: What are 5 symptoms of a brain stroke?
A: 5 symptoms of a brain stroke are one-sided weakness or paralysis, difficulty with or loss of speaking ability, slurred or garbled speech, loss of muscle control on one side of the face, and sudden loss, either partial or total, of one or more senses (vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch).
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