- What is a STROKE ?
Blood flow to a part of the brain stops due to blockage of a blood vessel or a clot inside it and the part of the brain deprived of its blood supply gets damaged.
- What is TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) ?
• It is also called a “mini stroke”
• Usually temporary & totally reversible within one hour
• It is similar to angina for the heart
• TIA is a warning sign indicating the risk of a full blown stroke in a large number of patients.
- Types of Stroke
a) Ischemic strokes
• Most common & account for > 85% of all strokes.
• Caused by blood clots that form and block blood flow to the brain.
• Seen in the obese, old age, Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension.
b) Hemorrhagic Strokes
• Caused by bleeding from rupture of an artery in brain.
• Commonly seen in people with high Blood Pressure.
- What are the risk factors for Stroke ?
a) Modifiable risk factors include
• High Blood pressure
• Smoking/ Tobacco
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Lack of exercise
b) Non-Modifiable risk factors include
• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Family History
- What are the warning signs of Stroke ?
• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially one side of body.
• Sudden confusion or difficulty in speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble in walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache of unknown cause.
• Blurred or double vision, drowsiness, and nausea or vomiting.
TIME IS BRAIN
If any of the above symptoms occur, don't wait contact the nearest Neuro Specialist because STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY & can be completely reversed in certain cases, if treated in time.
- What are the effects of stroke ?
• Paralysis or muscle weakness
• Difficulty in speaking or swallowing
• Blindness
• Difficulty in doing simple tasks or memory loss
• Loss of urine & stool control.
- How is stroke diagnosed ?
Clinical History and examination by a trained Neuro Specialist. Most important
• Imaging tests: CT Scans and/or MRI
• Blood flow tests: Trans cranial & Neck Doppler Ultrasound
• Cholesterol levels.
- How is stroke treated ?
• Intravenous (i/v) or intra-arterial (i/a) injection of a Clot dissolving agent can be given in selected cases to completely reverse the stroke
• The intravenous (i/v) injection can be given only till 3hrs. from the time of onset of attack
• The intra-arterial (i/a) injection requires DSA & an Endovascular Neurosurgeon - less drug is required and it is injected directly at site of block. It can be done upto 6hrs. from the time of onset of attack.
- Can I get another stroke ?
Single event of stroke increases the risk of another stroke by manifolds. Each subsequent attack is more severe than the previous attack.
- Steps to prevent another stroke
• Early diagnosis & treatment of the cause of stroke.
• Quit smoking
• Eat a healthy diet
• Daily exercise
• Regular medical checkups
• Take medications as prescribed by the doctor
• Control diabetes and high blood pressure(BP)
• Lose excess body weight
