Stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted. This could happen because
the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain are blocked (ischemic stroke) or due to rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
When the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, brain cells can be deprived of oxygen and nutrients,
which can cause rapid brain damage.
Stroke symptoms can vary depending on the part of the brain affected. Common symptoms include sudden paralysis or weakness on one side of the body,
difficulty speaking or understanding words, visual disturbances, dizziness, loss of balance, and severe headaches
A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
In general, stroke symptoms can vary depending on the area of the brain affected, as follows:
1. Sudden paralysis or weakness of the face, arms, or legs, especially on only one side of the body.
2. Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sometimes accompanied by confusion.
3. Visual disturbances in one or both eyes, such as double vision or partial vision loss.
4. Dizziness, fainting, or loss of balance and coordination.
5. Severe headache, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
6. Difficulty swallowing.
7. Difficulty understanding commands or carrying out daily tasks.
Stroke treatment usually depends on the type of stroke a person is experiencing.
1. Ischemic Stroke:
Thrombolytic therapy: Administration of drugs such as Alteplase (rt-PA) which aims to dissolve blood clots and restore normal blood flow.
Endovascular procedures: Include procedures such as thrombectomy to remove blood clots from brain blood vessels.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke:
Intracranial pressure reduction: Involves medication to control pressure inside the skull.
Surgical procedures: Sometimes necessary to treat a brain hemorrhage or repair a broken blood vessel.
Apart from medical treatment, stroke treatment also involves intensive rehabilitation to aid recovery and prevent long-term disability. Rehabilitation may include physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support.
Stroke prevention is also important and can involve healthy lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar under control, as well as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
It is important to recognize stroke symptoms early, as early treatment can help reduce further brain damage and improve the prognosis of people who have had a stroke. Every second counts in reducing the damage caused by a stroke.
If someone around us experiences symptoms of a stroke, immediately take them to the hospital to receive medical treatment as quickly as possible.