Strokes are a serious medical condition that can occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including a blood clot or bleeding in the brain. Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, but they can often be prevented or treated with prompt medical attention. While India carries the burden of 60% of all stroke patients globally, it is also the second most common cause of death in India. In a nutshell – Every 4 minutes, India suffers Stroke death
Types of stroke:
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Wed 11 Dec. 2024
Ischemic stroke
- Blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain
- This can happen when a clot forms in a blood vessel that is already narrowed or damaged by atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the walls of blood vessels.
- Ischemic strokes can also be caused by a clot that forms in another part of the body and travels to the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke
- Blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding.
- This can happen when a weakened blood vessel bursts, such as in cases of high blood pressure or aneurysms.
Symptoms of a stroke:
- Varies depending on the location and severity of the damage to the brain.
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden vision changes
- Severe headache.
Treatment:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Medications to dissolve blood clots or reduce bleeding
- Surgery to repair a ruptured blood vessel
- Rehabilitation to help the person regain their strength and independence.
Risk of having a stroke
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Heart disease.
Reduce your risk of stroke
- Lifestyle changes
- Quitting smoking
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
In summary, strokes are a serious medical condition that can have long-lasting consequences. If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, bring them to the hospital at the earliest. You can reduce your risk of stroke by making lifestyle changes and managing chronic conditions. By taking steps to prevent and treat strokes, we can help reduce the impact of this devastating condition on individuals and communities around the world.
(The author is the chairperson of Orange City Hospital, Khamla Square, Nagpur)
