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Understanding Strokes on World Stroke Day 2023: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
World Stroke Day, observed on October 29, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the seriousness and prevalence of strokes. It seeks to promote knowledge about stroke prevention and treatment, as well as enhance the quality of care and support for survivors. In this article, we will delve into the world of strokes, exploring their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and preventive measures. Additionally, we will feature insights from
Dr. Vipul Gupta, Chief - Neurointerventional Surgery & Co-Chief Stroke Unit at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram.
Understanding Strokes: Causes and Occurrence
Strokes, also known as cerebrovascular incidents, are medical emergencies that occur when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, resulting in damage or destruction of brain tissue. It is crucial to comprehend their nature and origins due to their potential for severe and lasting consequences.
Dr. Vipul Gupta underscores the two primary types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes are the more prevalent type, accounting for approximately 85% of cases. They occur when a blood clot or other debris blocks an artery that supplies blood to the brain, limiting the flow of oxygen and nutrients and causing damage to brain cells. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, transpire when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding into or around the brain, often due to conditions like an aneurysm or high blood pressure.
Comprehending Stroke Risk Factors:
To effectively address the risk of strokes, it's crucial to categorize risk factors into two groups: modifiable and non-modifiable.
Modifiable Risk Factors can be altered through lifestyle changes, including:
- Essential hypertension
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Birth control pill usage
- History of transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- High blood cholesterol
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Damaged heart valves
Non-modifiable Risk Factors are those that cannot be changed and include:
- Older age
- African American ethnicity
- Male gender
- History of a prior stroke
- Genetic predisposition
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms:
Dr. Vipul Gupta emphasizes the importance of promptly recognizing stroke symptoms for effective treatment and minimizing long-term damage. Common stroke symptoms include:
1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness: Affecting one side of the body, often the face, arm, or leg.
2. Difficulty Speaking: Sudden confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding and forming words.
3. Trouble Walking: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or the feeling of one side of the body being heavier.
4. Severe Headache: A sudden and severe headache, often referred to as the "worst headache of your life," can indicate a hemorrhagic stroke.
5. Visual Disturbances: Sudden vision problems, such as blurred or double vision.
Dr. Gupta recommends using the FAST method for quick stroke recognition:
F (Face): Ask the person to smile and check for facial drooping.
A (Arms): Have them raise both arms to see if one drifts downward.
S (Speech): Listen for slurred or garbled speech when they repeat a simple phrase.
T (Time): If any of these signs are observed, call emergency services immediately.
Early diagnosis is essential to ensure timely and effective treatment. Dr. Gupta highlights the diagnostic procedures involved in identifying and managing strokes:
1. Imaging Tests: Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain help determine the type of stroke—either ischemic (caused by a clot) or hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding).
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test examines the heart's electrical activity and identifies irregular heart rhythms that may contribute to strokes.
3. Angiography: In certain cases, an angiogram is performed to visualize blood vessels in the brain, aiding in the detection of abnormalities.
Preventive Measures for Strokes:
Prevention is a key element in reducing the risk of strokes. Dr. Gupta emphasizes the importance of controlling modifiable risk factors, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing chronic conditions.
Public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in educating individuals about stroke symptoms and the actions to take when a stroke occurs. The ability to respond promptly can save lives and reduce the long-term impact of this serious medical condition.
Dr. Gupta encourages awareness of our health status through simple tests like checking cholesterol levels (LDL, Total Cholesterol, and Lipoprotein a), monitoring blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Additional tests, such as the Homocysteine Test and D-Dimer Test, are crucial if warning symptoms like numbness, vision problems, or frequent headaches occur. These tests provide early warning signals, allowing individuals to take control of their health.
World Stroke Day serves as a reminder of the global significance of strokes and the importance of prevention, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of strokes, and by taking preventive measures, we can work towards a world where strokes are less prevalent and their impact is minimized.
Dr. Vipul Gupta wisely notes, "Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial for effective treatment and minimizing long-term damage. Awareness is key to understanding the risks associated with strokes and other health disorders, empowering us to take timely preventive measures."
On this World Stroke Day, let us commit to spreading awareness, reducing risk factors, and working towards a future where strokes are less common and their consequences less severe.