As you go about your busy day, rushing between work, family, and social commitments, your health and well-being often take a backseat. However, it’s essential to pause and consider what matters – your life and ability to function.
Did you know that globally, brain stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability? According to recent statistics, in India alone, three people suffer a stroke every minute.
While this is an alarming fact, the silver lining is that nearly 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes and medical intervention. However, if you have already had one stroke, the likelihood of another increases significantly.
A brain stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. An ischemic stroke happens when an artery in the brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks.
A brain stroke occurs when the blood flow to the brain is interrupted, denying brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. There are two major types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
Ischemic strokes account for about 87% of all strokes. They occur when arteries leading to the brain become blocked or narrowed, often by blood clots or fatty plaques. The two subtypes of ischemic strokes are:
Hemorrhagic strokes account for about 13% of strokes. They occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks, putting pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. The two subtypes of hemorrhagic strokes are:
If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms, call Neurologist in Indore immediately. A brain stroke requires prompt medical attention to minimize damage.
I am feeling numb or weak suddenly on one side of the body, in the face, arm, or leg, especially if only on one side, which could indicate a stroke. The weakness may cause difficulty walking or balancing.
Slurred speech, difficulty finding the right words, or inability to understand speech are common signs of a stroke. The stroke may impact the language center of the brain, making it hard to communicate.
Loss of vision or blurred vision, especially in one eye, could be a stroke symptom. You may lose part of your visual field or experience double vision.
A sudden, severe headache with no known cause could signal a stroke, especially if it’s accompanied by nausea or vomiting. The headache may result from a blood vessel bursting in the brain.
Feeling dizzy or loss of coordination and balance are frequent indications of a stroke. You may feel unsteady on your feet or experience vertigo (sensation of spinning).
The time to call the Best Neurologist in Indore for help is as soon as you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else. Early treatment can prevent long-term disability and save lives. Do not delay—call +91 963-018-3189 right away.
While awaitng emergency responders, try to keep the person still and on their back with their head slightly elevated. Please do not give them anything to eat or drink.
Remain with the person until emergency help arrives. Prompt medical assistance and diagnosis are critical, as treatment must be administered within several hours of the first symptoms appearing to avoid permanent brain damage.
As a brain stroke occurs when the blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off, it is critical to understand the underlying causes that can lead to this blockage.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most common cause of brain strokes. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage and weaken blood vessel walls over time, causing them to narrow, rupture, or become blocked.
This inhibits blood flow to the brain, resulting in a stroke. Controlling and regulating your blood pressure through medications, diet, and exercise is critical to reducing the risk of stroke.
Atherosclerosis is the hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup made of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. As plaque deposits thicken in the arteries supplying blood to your brain, they can eventually block or reduce blood flow.
Atherosclerosis typically occurs with aging but can be accelerated by high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. Making healthy lifestyle changes and following Neurologist in Indore treatment plan can help prevent or slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
A blood clot, known as a thrombosis, can form in an artery that supplies blood to the brain or elsewhere in the body and then travel to the brain. When a blood clot lodges in a street in the brain, it blocks blood flow and causes an ischemic stroke.
Certain factors like smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and lack of physical activity can increase your risk of blood clots and clot-related strokes. Anti-clotting medications may be prescribed depending on your condition and risk factors.
In addition, other causes like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and smoking can also damage blood vessels and raise the likelihood of brain strokes. The key takeaway is that the majority of strokes are caused by conditions that can often be prevented or managed well with medical treatment and healthy lifestyle changes.
By working closely with your doctor on a comprehensive prevention plan, you can lower your risk and avoid becoming another stroke statistic.
Once diagnosed with a brain stroke, prompt medical attention and treatment are critical to prevent long-term damage and disability. Several options are available depending on the type of stroke and severity.
For ischemic strokes caused by blood clots blocking blood flow in the brain, thrombolytic drugs are often used. These clot-busting medications, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), are administered intravenously to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow. However, tPA must be issued within 3 to 4.5 hours of symptom onset for maximum effectiveness.
If thrombolytic therapy is unsuccessful or impossible, endovascular procedures may be performed where a catheter is inserted into an artery and guided to the clot. Tools can then be used through the catheter to break up or remove the clot mechanically.
This includes techniques like mechanical thrombectomy, aspiration thrombectomy, and stent retrievers. These minimally invasive procedures have a high success rate in eliminating lumps and restoring blood flow when performed early.
For hemorrhagic strokes caused by burst blood vessels in the brain, surgery may be required to stop bleeding and relieve pressure. A craniotomy, where a portion of the skull is removed to access the brain, may be needed to locate and repair the ruptured blood vessel. Excess blood can also be drained from the head. After bleeding is controlled and pressure relieved, the skull flap is replaced and secured.
Following emergency treatment, rehabilitation helps stroke victims relearn skills lost due to brain damage. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling, and medications are often part of a rehabilitation program—the earlier rehabilitation starts, the better the outcomes. Patients may continue some form of rehabilitation for months to years after a stroke to maximize recovery and independence.
To prevent brain strokes and reduce your risk of having another stroke, there are several steps you can take:
Hypertension or high blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes. Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is critical.
A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. You should get your blood pressure checked regularly and take medications as prescribed by Neurologist in Indore to control it.
High cholesterol and diabetes can damage your arteries and increase your risk of stroke. Follow Neurologist in Indore recommendations for medication, diet, and exercise to manage high cholesterol and diabetes.
Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. Losing excess pounds can also help control your cholesterol and blood sugar.
Smoking is a significant risk factor for stroke. Quitting smoking can cut your risk of stroke to half of that of a smoker within 2-5 years. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking for good. Options include nicotine replacement therapy, medications, and support groups.
In addition to the steps above, following an overall healthy lifestyle can help prevent strokes. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein.
Limit red meat and sweets. Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and improve your cardiovascular fitness. Limit alcohol use and avoid recreational drugs. Manage your stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.
See Neurologist in Indore for regular checkups and screenings. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar monitoring, as well as screening for conditions like atrial fibrillation, which can increase stroke risk.
Discuss your stroke risks with the doctor and ask how to reduce them. Early detection and treatment of any health issues is crucial in preventing strokes and other complications.
If you or someone you know exhibits the symptoms of a stroke, call emergency services immediately. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. The sooner treatment can be administered, the less damage is likely.
If any of the above symptoms are present, do not delay – call emergency services immediately. Note the time the symptoms began, as this can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate once at a hospital.
At the emergency room, Neurologist in Indore will evaluate the symptoms and medical history, run tests like CT scans or MRI to check for bleeding in the brain or blood clots, and determine the cause of the stroke. The faster medical staff can determine the cause of the stroke, the sooner treatment can begin.
The key to successful treatment of a stroke is prompt diagnosis and care. Call emergency services right away if stroke symptoms appear. Time lost is brain lost. With fast action, stroke patients have the best chance of recovery and avoiding long-term disability or impairment.
You have the power to substantially reduce your risk of suffering a brain stroke. By making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet low in sodium and fat, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, you can avoid becoming another statistic.
While a stroke may seem like something that only happens to other people, the truth is that anyone at any age can be impacted. Take steps today to prioritize your health and wellness to ensure you avoid the potentially devastating consequences of a brain stroke.
Your life is worth the effort. Be proactive about your health and commit to long-term changes that will benefit your physical and mental well-being. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones.
