Stroke poses a significant health challenge in India, ranking as the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability. A recent survey by Boehringer Ingelheim India unveiled a concerning lack of awareness, with only 22% of respondents being familiar with the risk factors and symptoms of brain stroke. This underscores the urgent need for education on this medical emergency. Here are the top 10 frequently asked questions about stroke to shed light on key aspects, aiming to bolster understanding and encourage timely action.
1. What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke), leading to potential brain damage or death.
2. What are the warning signs of a stroke?
Knowing the acronym BE FAST can help spot stroke signs promptly:
Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
Face drooping: One side of the face droops or is numb.
Arm weakness: Weakness or numbness in one arm.
Speech difficulty: Slurred speech or difficulty understanding speech.
Time to call for medical help: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call for emergency medical help immediately.
3. What causes a stroke?
The primary contributors to stroke are lifestyle choices and underlying health conditions. Prominent risk factors consist of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. Effectively addressing these risk factors through a healthy lifestyle and proper medical management is essential for reducing the chances of a stroke.
4. How is a stroke treated?
Diagnosis serves as the critical starting point in stroke treatment, involving the use of imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs to determine the stroke's type and extent. The identification of a stroke-ready center, equipped with efficient diagnostic procedures and a specialized stroke response team, can greatly improve the treatment process.
Upon diagnosis:
Ischemic Stroke: Early intervention is vital. Thrombolytic medications, known as clot-busting drugs, can dissolve the clot obstructing blood flow to the brain. Other treatments include clot removal procedures, and in some instances, preventative measures to avert future clots.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Treatment may encompass surgery to repair or remove ruptured blood vessels or alleviate brain pressure. Medications to control bleeding and manage blood pressure may also be administered.
Prompt medical attention minimizes brain damage and significantly improves the chances of a full recovery.
5. What is the difference between a stroke and a heart attack?
When the blood flow to the brain is impeded, it leads to a brain stroke, while a heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. They share similar risk factors but exhibit different symptoms and consequences.
6. Is it possible to have a stroke and not realize it?
Yes, silent strokes may occur without noticeable symptoms but can still cause brain damage over time, as revealed through brain scans. Detecting and preventing silent strokes can be achieved through regular medical check-ups, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels, managing conditions like diabetes, and adopting a healthy lifestyle to mitigate risk factors associated with strokes.
7. Can you recover from a stroke?
Recovery from a stroke varies greatly among individuals, depending on the stroke type, severity, and the timeliness of treatment. The initial three months post-stroke often see spontaneous recovery, followed by a slower improvement phase. Rehabilitation therapies, including physical, speech, and occupational therapy, play crucial roles in enhancing the recovery process, helping individuals regain lost abilities and improve their quality of life.
8. What is the "Golden Hour" in stroke treatment?
The "Golden Hour" refers to the critical initial 4.5 hours post-stroke symptom onset, where prompt medical intervention significantly improves recovery odds and minimizes brain damage, enabling better outcomes.
9. Is a stroke hereditary?
Stroke risk can be influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. Certain genetic disorders like sickle cell disease can heighten stroke risk, which may further increase with unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet and smoking.
10. What help is available to assist with stroke recovery?
Numerous resources facilitate stroke recovery, encompassing physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Support groups and community organizations are pivotal in providing assistance and information. Online platforms like Stroke Support India, along with governmental initiatives such as the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), offer substantial support, aiding stroke survivors and their families in navigating the recovery journey. Additionally, strokeofsupport.com serves as a comprehensive online resource, furnishing all necessary literature for recovery, further enhancing the support available for stroke survivors and their loved ones.
Let's work together to fight against the risk of stroke. Remember "BE FAST" and act quickly to protect the health of our loved ones.
Written by Dr Joseph Sebastian, Head of the Department of Neuroscience, Caritas Hospital
