Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke: How to Quickly Recognize and Treat Them

Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, where stroke is a neurological disease caused by GPDO (Brain Growth and Development Disorders) refers to various conditions that interfere with the normal development of the brain, which can cause various neurological diseases), sudden (emergency medical events that occur when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted, causing damage to brain tissue), neurological signs & symptoms (can vary greatly depending on the type and location of the problem in the nervous system), onset ≥ 24 hours (If neurological signs and symptoms last for ≥ 24 hours, this indicates the presence of a serious and chronic medical condition that may require further evaluation and treatment).

Stroke is a problem in our society because it is the number one cause of death. 3rd in the world after heart disease and cancer, the main cause of disability in the world, with 60% of stroke incidence and 75% of deaths due to stroke in poor and developing countries, a very large economic burden.

Strokes can be divided into several types based on the mechanism that causes the disorder. The following are the types of stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for approximately 85% of all stroke cases. This occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain are blocked by blood clots or plaque.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes can be divided into two main types:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage: bleeding occurs within the brain tissue. This is the most common type of hemorrhagic stroke and is usually caused by high blood pressure damaging the blood vessels.
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the membrane that covers it (subarachnoid space). This is often caused by a ruptured aneurysm (a bulge in the wall of a blood vessel).

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) A TIA, or mini stroke, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted and then recovers on its own. The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of an ischemic stroke but usually last less than 24 hours and do not cause permanent damage. Although TIA symptoms are temporary, TIA is an important warning that a person is at high risk of having a stroke in the future.
4. Cryptogenic Stroke A cryptogenic stroke is a stroke whose exact cause cannot be identified despite a thorough medical evaluation. This may account for about 30% of all cases of ischemic stroke. Some possible causes of cryptogenic stroke include embolism that originates in the heart or large arteries but is not detected by standard diagnostic tests.
5. Systemic Stroke This is not a clinically recognized type of stroke, but the term is sometimes used to refer to strokes that occur as a result of systemic blood circulation problems, such as severe hypotension (low blood pressure) that causes poor blood perfusion to the brain.

The following are some of the main risk factors that can increase a person's chances of having a stroke:

1. Non-modifiable risks:

• age;
• family history of stroke;
• race;
• gender

2. Risks that can be intervened in:

• Hypertension;
• Alcohol;
• Obesity;
• Smoking;
• Diabetes;
• Cholesterol

FAST is a useful method for remembering the main signs of stroke:

1. F: Face (Face)

Facial drooping: One side of the face may droop or become numb. Ask the person to smile, and notice whether the smile is asymmetrical or lopsided.

2. A. Arms

Weakness in the arms: One arm may be weak or numb. Have the person raise both arms and watch to see if one arm falls down.

3. S: Speech (Talk)

Difficulty speaking: Speech may be slurred or difficult to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, and see if they have difficulty saying it correctly.

4. T: Time (time)

Time is brain: If someone shows any of these signs, call emergency medical services immediately. Quick treatment is very important.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is very important to act quickly because immediate treatment can save lives and reduce brain damage. Here are the steps to take:

1. Take him immediately to the nearest hospital.
2. The doctor will carry out an evaluation and examination (the patient goes home when the acute phase has passed and the condition is stable).
3. If it is a stroke, observe at the hospital and start treatment.

Treating suspected strokes quickly and appropriately is key to saving lives and minimizing brain damage. Use the acronym FAST to identify the main symptoms of stroke, and call emergency services immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke. Prompt and appropriate medical treatment can make a big difference in the long-term outcome of stroke patients.

Download the Hermina Mobile Apps application to facilitate health access and registration at Hermina Arcamanik Hospital.

Reference:

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

https://www.heartandstroke.ca/