This blog has been compiled by Vaibhavi Kodnani, a content writer for Proactive For Her.
What is a stroke?
A person experiences a stroke in one of the following situations:
- When a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds
- When there is a blockage in the blood supply to the brain
In the case of a rupture or blockage, blood and oxygen do not reach the brain’s tissues. The dying brain cells lead to dysfunctioning of many parts of the body.
What are the types of strokes?
There are two main types of strokes:
Ischaemic stroke - The blockage of a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain, resulting in a stroke.
Haemorrhagic stroke - In this stroke, there is bleeding inside the brain.
What are the warning signs or symptoms of a stroke?
FAST is an acronym of all the crucial and common warning signs of a stroke. It is a helpful way for the general public to recognise the signs of a stroke and take immediate and necessary actions.
F - Facial Drooping : If the face starts drooping and is hard to move, it can be a warning sign of a stroke.
A - Arm weakness : If the person is experiencing weakness in the arms and is unable to raise them, it is a matter of concern.
S - Speech difficulties : Another indicator of a stroke is slurred speech. The person may not be able to speak and comprehend others’ speech.
T - Time : If you or someone else is experiencing the above symptoms, then it is time to act FAST and immediately call for emergency help without any delay. Delay can result in severe consequences and even death.
A few other symptoms that should not be ignored are:
- Loss of sensation
- Inability to move the limbs
- Change in vision or gait
- Inability to speak
- Inability to understand speech
- Sudden, severe headache
Who is more prone to getting a stroke?
Generally, adults of any age can get a stroke. However, a stroke occurs mostly in people who have comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes and other medical conditions. It can happen multiple times if one does not make lifestyle modifications.
Modifiable risk factors
The coexistence of many lifestyle diseases and unhealthy lifestyle habits can increase the risk of getting a stroke. However, if managed well, it is possible to prevent a stroke too.
Those who have a history of the following medical conditions can get a stroke:
- Blood pressure
- Heart diseases
- Hyperlipidaemia
- Diabetes
Additionally, regular alcohol consumers are at a higher risk of getting a stroke. Smoking can also affect your blood vessels and heart, eventually leading to a stroke too.
Non-modifiable risk factors
Under certain circumstances, the stroke risk is irreversible.
- Age: Old age increases the chances of getting a stroke.
- Sex: Studies suggest that males are more prone to getting a brain stroke than females.
- History of cardiac or brain stroke: People who have had a heart or brain stroke in the past are more likely to experience another one in their lives.
- Hereditary: One is more likely to get a stroke if their family has a history of medical conditions such as hypertension.
How to prevent a stroke?
Lifestyle and diet modifications play a crucial role in preventing a stroke.
- Control hypertension: People suffering from high blood pressure should take the required measures to control their blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Manage diabetes: Diabetic patients should manage their diabetes well.
- Use oral contraceptives cautiously: People using oral contraceptive pills should be particularly cautious and always confirm with the doctor if they are safe to consume.
- Practice healthy lifestyle habits: Regular exercise and diet control also help in the prevention of a stroke.
- Those who use blood thinners for other diseases should make sure that their blood pressure is under control. They are at high risk for developing a haemorrhagic stroke.
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol as that increases the risk of many diseases as well as a stroke.
What should one do if they or someone else experiences the symptoms of a stroke?
Follow these steps if you or someone you know is experiencing a stroke:
- Try to recognise the signs of a stroke using FAST.
- If you feel the person is experiencing a stroke, make them stop all their work and activities.
- Without any delay, call for an ambulance to rush the person to the nearest hospital.
- Until the ambulance arrives, take them to a spot where they can rest.
- Help them lie down in a comfortable position.
How long can it take to recover from a stroke?
Time is a crucial factor in determining recovery from a stroke. If treated on time, the patients recover within the first 90 minutes after getting a stroke. Any delay in reaching the hospital may increase the recovery time to weeks or even months.
What are the treatments for a stroke?
Different types of strokes require varied treatments:
- Treatment for Ischaemic stroke - If someone suffers from an Ischaemic stroke, Intravenous Thrombolysis is a standard treatment. If the doctor administers the thrombolytic drug in time, it can help the stroke patient recover quickly. Blood thinners and anticoagulants are the main treatments for this type of stroke.
- Treatment for Hemorrhagic stroke - In this stroke, the treatment is not very straightforward. Medicines and surgery is included to decrease the pressure inside the brain.
What would a delay in treatment do?
A delay in treatment can worsen the stroke symptoms, make the damage irreversible and in some instances, even cause death. One should never
ignore any signs of a stroke. If you feel something is amiss with you or someone you know, please rush to the nearest hospital or call for an ambulance.
How long can someone live after a stroke?
There is no one answer for this. Factors like the after-effects of a stroke, timely and appropriate medical attention, underlying, existing medical conditions define the lifespan and quality of life of a patient suffering from a stroke.
Bottom line
Stroke is a life-threatening condition. People with health problems such as diabetes, blood pressure and heart diseases should be careful and manage their health to prevent themselves from getting a stroke. FAST is a useful method to recognise if someone is experiencing a stroke. You should rush them to the hospital immediately as a delay in treatment can complicate the situation and even prove fatal.
Disclaimer - This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare practitioners before undertaking any changes in your diet or adding supplements.
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