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Reviewed by

Dr. Rohit Pai

Consultant - Neurology

Manipal Hospitals, Mangaluru

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Stroke: Understanding the Health Factors and its Management

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A stroke is a medical emergency; therefore, getting help quickly is essential. Early intervention can lessen problems and brain damage. A stroke, also known as a brain attack, happens when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or when something stops the flow of blood to a specific area of the brain. Affected or dying brain tissue is present in both scenarios. A stroke can result in long-term impairment, permanent brain damage, or even death.

What happens during a Stroke?

The brain is the organ that manages our bodily activities, retains our memories, and generates our ideas, feelings, and verbal expression. In addition, the brain regulates a variety of bodily processes, including respiration and digestion.

Any individual need oxygen for their brain to function correctly. All of the areas of their brain receive oxygen-rich blood from their arteries. Brain cells begin to die within minutes of a blockage in blood flow because they are unable to receive oxygen. The result is a stroke.

Common Types of Stroke

There are two types of stroke:

Ischemic Stroke

It is the most common stroke. Blood clots or other objects obstructing the blood vessels to the brain can cause an ischemic stroke. The accumulation of fatty deposits, known as plaque, in the blood vessels can also result in blockages.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

It occurs when a brain artery bursts or releases blood (breaks open). The pressure from the blood leak causes brain cells to get damaged. Examples of diseases that can result in a hemorrhagic stroke include high blood pressure and aneurysms, which are balloon-like bulges in an artery that have the potential to stretch and explode.

Some people refer to a transient ischemic attack (TIA) as a "mini-stroke." Because blood supply to the brain is restricted for only a brief period of time—typically no longer than 5 minutes—it differs from other primary forms of stroke.

Symptoms of Stroke

Damage to brain tissues results from a reduced blood supply to the brain. The bodily functions regulated by the brain injury exhibit stroke symptoms. The better the prognosis for someone experiencing a stroke, the earlier they receive treatment from the best neurologist in Mangalore. Because of this, being aware of the symptoms of a stroke will help you take prompt action. Some signs of a stroke include:

Paralysis
Arm, face, or leg numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body

Difficulty communicating or comprehending others:

Slurred speech
Lack of clarity, disorientation, or responsiveness
Abrupt behavioural alterations, particularly increased agitation
Visual issues, such as double vision or difficulty seeing with one or both eyes that are blurry or blacked out
Trouble walking
loss of coordination or balance
Dizziness
Unknown origin of a severe, abrupt headache
Nausea or vomiting

Any stroke victim needs to see a doctor right away. One should call 911 or their local emergency services as soon as they suspect that someone else is experiencing a stroke. Early intervention is essential to avoiding the following consequences:

Brain damage
Long-term disability
Death

When dealing with a stroke, it is preferable to be extra cautious; therefore, don't be hesitant to seek emergency medical attention if you believe you have noticed the symptoms.

Cause and related Risk Factors

There are various probable causes for different types of strokes. However, a person is typically more susceptible to a stroke if they:

Have an unbalanced diet
Shows inactivity involving a lack of exercise.
Excessive use of alcohol and tobacco
Have some family history of health factors such as blood pressure.
Are older in age

Diagnosis of Stroke

To further assist in determining whether you have had a stroke or to rule out another condition, your doctor may conduct a number of tests. These tests consist of:

Blood test
MRI and CT scan
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Cerebral angiogram
Carotid ultrasound
Echocardiogram

Treatment of Stroke

To recover from a stroke, proper medical assessment and timely stroke treatment in Mangalore are essential. As soon as one suspects a stroke is happening to someone else, they should call 911 or their local emergency services. Depending on the type of stroke, several treatments are used: