Stroke can cause disability, here are the symptoms and signs

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide, so it is still an unsolved problem. Stroke is a disease that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Disruption of blood flow to the brain can occur due to blockage or rupture of blood vessels. Disrupted blood flow to the brain causes some areas of the brain to not get enough oxygen supply so that brain cell death can occur.

The symptoms and signs of a stroke are:

1. Asymmetrical smile (leaning to one side), choking, and difficulty swallowing suddenly 

2. All limb movement suddenly becomes weak. 

3. Speaks slowly or abruptly is unable to speak/does not understand words/speech does not connect 

4. Numbness, or numbness, or tingling in half of the body.

5. Myopic, blurred vision in one eye, occurs suddenly.

6. Severe headache that appears suddenly 

If you experience the above symptoms and signs, immediately go to the hospital for immediate treatment. because a stroke can cause disability depending on which part of the brain is affected by the blood supply. Of stroke patients who experience disability, 1 in 3 stroke patients experiences aphasia (speech disorders), and 60% of stroke patients experience visual impairment.

Even though they have passed the treatment period, stroke patients must undergo a recovery phase. Stroke recovery takes a long time, ranging from a few weeks to months. According to the National Stroke Association, 10% of stroke survivors can almost completely recover, although they can still have less severe disorders. However, if not treated properly and regularly, it will cause permanent disability.

Because the recovery phase is not short, it is very necessary to support the patient's family and closest people. Not a few stroke survivors experience post-stroke depression, which is characterized by feeling sad or moody, losing interest in daily activities, prolonged fatigue, and experiencing sleep disturbances for more than 2 weeks. The impact of post-stroke depression can hinder the healing and recovery process, make patients feel isolated and can lead to a decline in cognitive abilities such as thinking, understanding and memory.

Therefore, things that can be done for post-stroke sufferers are to increase their capacity or potential to create a sense of enthusiasm, motivation, and self-confidence. In addition, it is also important to have regular check-ups with doctors and physiotherapists to monitor the condition of the patient's recovery and prevent a recurrence of stroke. This recovery process involves an important role for the family and people closest to the patient. Let's help increase the patient's spirit for a better stroke recovery!

Created by : Dr. Julia Reviewed by : Dr. Titin Junaidi, Sp.N