Analyzing Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Stroke is a serious condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or stopped, causing damage to brain cells. It can be a life-threatening condition and often leads to long-term disabilities. Let's delve deeper into the causes, symptoms, and important prevention measures.

Causes of Stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, occurring when blood vessels supplying blood to the brain are blocked, for example, by blood clots or cholesterol plaques.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Hemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke caused by high blood pressure. In hemorrhagic stroke, blood leaking from ruptured blood vessels can damage brain cells and surrounding tissues, causing damage and impairing brain function.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Also known as a mini-stroke, it occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily disrupted. This can be a warning sign for an impending ischemic stroke.

 

Stroke Symptoms:

Here are some stroke symptoms often referred to as "FAST":

1. Face: Asymmetrical smile
2. Arm: Weakness in body movement
3. Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty in speaking
4. Time: Time to seek medical attention
 

Handling Symptoms:

If several stroke symptoms occur, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital. This is to receive treatment so that the resulting impact is not fatal.

The faster a stroke patient is taken to the hospital, the more it can help reduce the risk of death and permanent disability. Assistance for stroke patients within the golden period, approximately 4.5 hours, is crucial.

Therefore, if someone experiences several symptoms believed to indicate a stroke, they should seek immediate treatment. Prompt treatment accelerates the healing process and increases the chances of recovery.
 

Stroke Prevention:

1. Healthy Eating Habits: Consuming healthy, low-salt, low-saturated-fat, and high-fiber foods can help maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels within normal limits.

2. Regular Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, control blood pressure, and improve heart health.

3. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption significantly increase the risk of stroke.

4. Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Control: Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly and taking steps to keep them within normal ranges.

5. Regular Health Check-ups: Undergoing regular health check-ups can help detect and manage risk factors that can lead to stroke.
 

Understanding the Golden Period, Time is Brain:

The golden period or "time is brain" is a concept that emphasizes the importance of immediate intervention in stroke cases. In stroke cases, every second is precious because brain damage can occur rapidly when blood flow is disrupted. The "time is brain" concept underscores the fact that the sooner someone receives medical treatment after stroke symptoms appear, the greater their chances of receiving effective treatment and minimizing permanent brain damage.

During this golden period, quick action is needed to identify the type of stroke and provide appropriate treatment. For ischemic stroke, for example, the use of thrombolytic drugs (clot-busting drugs) such as alteplase can help dissolve blood clots blocking blood vessels and restore blood flow to the brain if given promptly after symptoms appear. Additionally, in certain cases, actions such as mechanical clot removal procedures can also be performed.

Therefore, understanding and awareness of stroke symptoms and prompt intervention are crucial to optimize recovery chances and reduce permanent brain damage. Hence, every second is considered valuable in a stroke situation, and every effort should be made to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Stroke is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Understanding its symptoms and taking appropriate preventive measures can help reduce the risk of stroke and improve quality of life. Don't hesitate to consult with our specialist doctors at Hermina Ciruas Hospital. If there are early signs of symptoms, Hermina Ciruas Hospital also has a Stroke Center facility where stroke patients will receive immediate treatment from a specialized team.

 

Reference :
- Adhitama, V. (2020). Stroke. Dalam Panduan Diagnosis dan Tatalaksana Neurologi, Edisi ke-6. Penerbit Buku Kedokteran EGC.

- Boehme, Amelia K., and Mitchell S.V. Elkind. "Transient ischemic attack." Stroke 48.2 (2017): 521-526.

- Kusuma, M. D. (2019). Faktor Risiko dan Tatalaksana Stroke di Indonesia. Jurnal Kesehatan Bakti Tunas Husada, 17(1), 71-84.

- Powers, William J., et al. "2018 Guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association." Stroke 49.3 (2018): e46-e110