A stroke occurs when blood flow is cut off to part of your brain. Most strokes are caused by a clot or something else that blocks the flow of blood. These are called ischemic strokes. The bleeding in the brain is known as haemorrhagic strokes. A stroke happens when there is sporadic/reduced blood supply to brain. The stroke prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India. The prevalence rate of stroke range, 84-262/100,000 in rural and 334-424/100,000 in urban areas. The incidence rate is 119-145/100,000 based on the recent population-based studies.
A stroke is a medical emergency and early treatment can reduce brain damage and other complications.
The stroke often happens unexpectedly, immediate shifting of the patient to the hospital is advised to get better results. Before the onset of stroke, few will experience indications like headache, numbness, or tingling several days before they have a serious stroke. Do not neglect early signs best is to treat them early.
Early warning signs:
• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side.
• Confusion or trouble understanding other people.
• Difficulty in speaking.
• Trouble seeing with one or both eyes.
• Problems walking or staying balanced or coordinated.
• Dizziness.
• Severe headache that comes on for no reason.
Prevention:
Knowing your stroke risk factors, following your doctor’s recommendations, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke.
If you’ve had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), these measures might help prevent another stroke.
• Control Hypertension (BP). Take your BP medicines as advised by your physician regularly. Never skip medication. Intermittent skipping of medication may lead to stroke.
• Control sugar levels. Regular medication, diet, exercise keep your blood sugar in a healthy range
• Lowering the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet. Avoid meat & high-fat diet, regular exercise regimen as advised by your physician are necessary to control cholesterol.
• Stop tobacco. Stopping tobacco products reduces risk of stroke.
• Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables. Daily servings of fruits or vegetables may reduce your risk of stroke.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, skipping, cycling, swimming, Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises regulate blood pressure, controls sugar levels & improves overall wellbeing.
• Drink alcohol in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption increases your risk of high blood pressure, ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Consumption of alcohol will have an adverse reaction to drugs. Your physician is the best judge of your health, he will advise what is good for you.
Consult your Physician at least twice a year or more so as per his/her advice.
