What is a stroke?
It is disturbance of brain function due to disruption to its
blood supply. When the blood supply is disrupted, the brain cells are deprived
of oxygen and other nutrients, causing some cells to become damaged and other
to die. A stroke is also known as a Brain Attack.
Most strokes occur when blood vessel carrying blood to the
brain becomes blocked resulting in inadequate blood supply to an area of brain
(ischemic stroke). Some strokes are caused by bleeding into the brain tissue
from a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).
What are the warning signals of a stroke?
May ne one or more of the following:
- Ø Sudden blurring or decrease in vision in one or both eyes.
- Ø Numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, or in either an arm or a leg on one or both sides of the body.
- Ø Difficulty in speaking or understanding.
- Ø Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall.
- Ø Difficulty in swallowing.
- Ø Headache (usually severe and abrupt in onset) or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches.
Sometimes such episodes may last only a few minutes to few
hours. Such symptoms should never be ignored, as they indicate that a part of
the brain is not receiving enough blood. Such a condition, if neglected, may
lead to a stroke.
If you or someone you know experience any of the above
warning signals, seek medical attention immediately.
What are the effects of a stroke?
Some strokes are fatal while others may cause permanent or
temporary disability. As a result of a stroke certain areas of the brain are
damaged and functions normally controlled by these brain areas become impaired.
The most common effects of a stroke are paralysis on one side of the body and
loss of ability to speak/ language skills.
How are strokes treated?
In general, treatments for people affected by stroke are of
three types.
Drug treatment aims at reducing the extent of brain damage and
thereby increasing the likelihood of a good recovery.
General care aims at helping with swallowing difficulties
and bladder and bowel control, and minimizing the complications of stroke.
Rehabilitation aims at maximizing recovery from stroke, so
that the patient could become as independent as possible and regain patient’s
normal life style.
Can stroke be cured?
There is known drug that can completely eliminate the
possibility of a stroke or offer a guaranteed ‘cure’. However early diagnosis
and quick action can reduce the severity of a stroke. For stroke patients
suffering from loss of speech, movement or other disability, rehabilitation is
possible with the assistance of physical, occupational and speech therapists.
How can the risk of having a stroke be minimized?
The risk can be reduced by:
- Ø Seeking immediate medical attention if you experience of the warning signals.
- Ø Controlling high blood pressure. For this you need to have your blood pressure checked and treated if necessary.
- Ø Controlling high blood sugar(diabetes)
- Ø Controlling excess fats in your body such as cholesterol.
- Ø A healthy diet low in fat and salt but high in fiber.(fruits and vegetables)
- Ø Giving up smoking
- Ø Avoiding drinking excessively
- Ø Regular exercise.
