Ganesh Kendale
Stroke is a medical emergency. If there is even a slight delay or carelessness in this, there can be serious risks. Getting medical help in time can reduce brain damage and other stroke complications. The good thing is that now deaths due to stroke have reduced compared to before. Effective treatments can also help prevent disability from stroke. To understand this, the Healthshots team spoke to a senior neurologist.
what is stroke
Dr Arvind Lakesar, Consultant Neurology, Narayana Hospital, Jaipur, explains, “Stroke, also known as paralysis, is a serious medical emergency. Which occurs due to problems in the blood vessels of the head. Due to this, oxygen does not reach some parts of the head properly and the cells start getting damaged. Due to this, sudden stroke effect occurs. Sometimes the person goes into a serious condition. Therefore, it is even more important to understand about stroke.
Stroke can affect in these 2 ways
1. Ischemic stroke :
In this, blood flow stops due to clotting in the blood vessels of the head. Due to which oxygen and nutrients do not reach inside the head and the person goes into a critical condition.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke :
This type of stroke is more dangerous, in which the blood vessels of the head burst. This happens due to increase in blood pressure or weakening of blood vessels.
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Apart from this, some other conditions of stroke can also occur. In which transient ischemic attack also occurs, which is called mini stroke. Although these become normal within 24 hours, they should still be taken seriously.
Which people are more at risk of stroke (causes and risk of stroke)
The risk of stroke is especially high for people with high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart-related problems. In such a situation, they need to be very careful. When blood pressure or cholesterol increases, it can constrict the blood vessels. This reduces blood flow to the brain, which causes lack of oxygen in the brain.
1. High Blood Pressure:
When blood pressure increases, it puts more pressure on the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to become weak and narrowed. This reduces blood flow to the brain.
2. High Cholesterol:
High cholesterol levels can cause plaque to form in blood vessels, which restricts blood flow. This may cause lack of oxygen in the brain.
3. Diabetes:
In diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, reducing their ability to remain flexible. This hinders contraction and blood flow.
4. Heart related problems:
Heart diseases, such as atherosclerosis, can cause blood clots to form. When these clots move toward the brain, they can block blood flow.
All these factors also increase the risk of a stroke, which can lead to brain damage and permanent disability due to the formation of a blood clot.
Also read: World Stroke Day: Take out your precious time to stay healthy, know that prevention is the only solution.
These symptoms can be seen after stroke (Symptoms of stroke)
According to Dr. Arvind, the initial symptoms of stroke include the following
1. Difficulty in walking or losing balance while walking.
2. Severe and sudden headache accompanied by feeling dizzy or nauseated.
3. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, hands or legs.
4. Difficulty in speaking clearly, stammering of the tongue.
5. Having difficulty in understanding what the other person said or understanding it after some time.
6. There may be problems like difficulty in seeing in one or both eyes, blurring.
If you see symptoms of stroke in someone around you, you should immediately consult a doctor without any delay. In such a situation the person needs immediate specialist treatment. If there is even a slight delay, any organ may fail or serious injuries may occur.
Can stroke be prevented?
Explaining measures to avoid stroke, Dr. Arvind says that you have to take care of your health and correct your lifestyle and diet. One has to stay away from drugs like smoking, alcohol etc.
Apart from this, whatever you are eating should be nutritious. Whole grains, green vegetables, fruits, low fat foods should be given priority in your diet. Along with this, you must practice yoga or exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep and keep checking with your doctor from time to time.
These after effects may occur:
These symptoms, which may occur in some people even after treatment, depend on the person’s age, the severity of the stroke, and the part of the brain affected. About this Dr. Arvind says, “These include paralysis (weakness or paralysis of limbs), muscle stiffness or pain, problems with balance and coordination, trouble walking, trouble speaking (aphasia), memory problems, trouble concentrating, mood swings.” (Depression, irritability), stress and anxiety, sleep problems may occur.
Which are cured through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, medicines and surgery. For this, you should stay in touch with the doctor later also and maintain your daily routine as per his advice. Early treatment and rehabilitation is very important to reduce the after effects of stroke.
Also read: Brain stroke: Identify brain stroke by these signs to avoid brain damage.
