Disease Description

A stroke, a condition that strikes suddenly and unexpectedly, is caused by a disruption in the blood supply to the brain. Despite the brain’s modest blood consumption, its cells are at risk of oxygen deprivation. When the blood supply is disrupted, these cells can be rapidly destroyed. As these cells control various body parts, their damage can lead to paralysis in those areas, underscoring the potential severity of a stroke.

Classification

Ischemic stroke: Blockage of blood circulation regionally.

Hemorrhagic stroke:Bleeding in the brain.

Symptom & Sign

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in blood circulation, while a hemorrhagic stroke results from bleeding in the brain. Patients may exhibit similar signs and symptoms in both cases, making it crucial for everyone to be aware of these common indicators. The severity of the patient’s condition depends on the specific areas of the brain affected, the extent of the damage, and how quickly the event occurs.

Common symptoms include:

Head-turning:Dizziness can be a stroke symptom, especially in brainstem or posterior circulation strokes. It may present as lightheadedness, vertigo, or imbalance and can occur suddenly.

Difficulty walking:Difficulty walking can be a stroke symptom, along with other typical signs such as facial drooping, weakness or numbness in the arm, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, loss of vision, and dizziness. Recognizing these signs and seeking medical attention immediately is not just crucial; it’s a matter of life and death. Prompt treatment can help prevent permanent brain damage.

Difficulty maintaining balance:Difficulty maintaining balance can be a common symptom of a stroke. A stroke affects the brain’s ability to control balance and coordination, resulting in feelings of instability or a lack of coordination. This symptom is particularly prevalent among stroke survivors, and it can significantly impact their mobility and quality of life.

Having trouble speaking:Difficulty speaking is a common symptom of a stroke, often accompanied by slurred speech, trouble understanding conversations, and weakness or numbness on one side of the body. Other signs of a stroke include sudden confusion or disorientation, difficulty walking, dizziness or loss of balance, and sudden vision problems. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking medical attention immediately is crucial, as prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Paralyze:A stroke can lead to various symptoms, including paralysis on one side of the body, numbness or weakness in the arm, face, and leg, difficulty speaking or understanding others, slurred speech, confusion, disorientation, or lack of responsiveness. Other symptoms may include feeling unusually tired, experiencing vision problems such as blurred or darkened vision in one or both eyes, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, and a sudden severe headache. It’s important to note that these symptoms can occur suddenly and may not all be present in every stroke case.

Weakness:Weakness in the arm is a common symptom of a stroke, making it difficult for individuals to perform everyday tasks, such as picking up objects like a phone or a cup of water. Females may also experience additional symptoms, including general weakness, nausea or vomiting, disorientation or confusion, and memory problems. It is essential to recognize the signs of a stroke quickly and seek medical attention immediately to improve the chances of recovery.

The uselessness of one side of the body:Numbness on one side of the body is a common stroke symptom. This numbness can appear as sudden weakness or loss of sensation, particularly affecting the face, arm, or leg on one side. It is often one of the key indicators that a stroke may be in progress.

Blurred vision:Blurred vision is a common symptom of a stroke. A stroke can impact the parts of the brain that process visual information, resulting in sudden vision changes. These changes may manifest as blurred vision or partial or complete vision loss in one or both eyes.

Darkness or double vision:Dark or double vision can be common symptoms of a stroke. These visual disturbances occur because the stroke impacts the brain areas responsible for processing visual information.

Sudden severe headache:A sudden, severe headache can be a symptom of a stroke. This type of headache is often called a “thunderclap headache,” as it occurs suddenly and is highly intense. Such headaches can indicate severe conditions, including a stroke or a brain aneurysm. While not all severe headaches are linked to strokes, the sudden onset of a severe headache should be taken seriously. If you or someone else experiences this type of headache, it is essential to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Factors that increase the risk of stroke

Risk factors for heart attack and stroke are pretty common

Same as-

high blood pressure:High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, dramatically increases the risk of stroke. It is one of the most common risk factors linked to stroke, impacting a large number of individuals who suffer from this condition. High blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels in the brain, making them more susceptible to blockages or ruptures, which can lead to a stroke. To reduce the risk of experiencing a first stroke, it is recommended to maintain blood pressure consistently below 130/80 mm Hg.

High cholesterol:

High cholesterol can increase the risk of having a stroke by contributing to the buildup of plaques in blood vessels. This buildup can cause blockages that prevent blood from reaching the brain. Studies show that high levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can raise the risk of a stroke by 10%. Furthermore, having both high cholesterol and high blood pressure can nearly triple the risk of experiencing a stroke.

Managing cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, and, if necessary, medication can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including potentially fatal events such as heart attacks and strokes. These lifestyle changes can help lower ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) levels and raise ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) levels, reducing the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries and the subsequent risk of stroke.

Diabetes or polyuria:Diabetes dramatically raises the risk of stroke. Individuals with diabetes are about twice as likely to experience a stroke compared to those without the condition. This increased risk is mainly due to the damage that high blood sugar levels can cause to blood vessels. This damage can lead to atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits accumulate in the arteries.

Smoking:Smoking significantly raises the risk of stroke. Long-term exposure to the harmful substances in tobacco causes inflammation and damage to blood vessels, leading to plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries. This can result in an increased likelihood of experiencing a stroke. Additionally, smoking elevates blood pressure and lowers oxygen levels in the blood, further heightening the risk of stroke.

Obesity:Obesity is a significant risk factor for stroke, raising the risk by 64% compared to individuals of moderate weight. Excess body weight and obesity are associated with a higher likelihood of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Losing weight can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, and maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise can help prevent or mitigate many health issues related to obesity.

Drinking:Excessive alcohol consumption can elevate the risk of stroke by raising blood pressure and increasing triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. Moderate drinking may not offer protection against stroke and could heighten the risk compared to abstaining from alcohol altogether. Heavy alcohol use or misuse significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.

family history:A family history of stroke can elevate an individual’s risk of experiencing a stroke. Research indicates that between 15% and 52% of people who suffer a stroke have a family member who has also experienced one. Genetics can contribute to stroke risk, and specific genetic disorders may either cause or increase the likelihood of having a stroke.

Strokes are more prevalent in men who are over the age of 55.

Diagnosis

A hemorrhagic stroke in the brain is a critical emergency that can quickly become life-threatening, mainly if it occurs in vital areas. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes (which can lead to polyuria), severe head injuries, and certain congenital factors, such as ruptured aneurysms or abnormal connections between arteries and veins, can all contribute to this type of stroke. Additionally, bleeding from arteriovenous malformations is also a common cause. Rapid diagnosis and prompt action are crucial in managing this severe condition.

After a brain hemorrhage, the brain cells begin to swell, leading to increased pressure inside the skull. This restricted environment can cause serious complications. One inevitable consequence is brain herniation, where weakened sections of the brain become displaced, and parts of the brain may protrude. This condition can quickly lead to fatality.

Another serious condition associated with compromised blood supply to the brain is a stroke caused by an arterial or venous blood clot (embolus). This results in a lack of blood circulation to specific brain areas, leading to cerebral infarction. In such cases, prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial. It is possible to dissolve the blood clot quickly, but doctors typically have only 3 to 6 hours to perform effective surgery.

Precaution

Many risks can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

• Knowing and controlling blood pressure.

• do not smoke.

• Avoid eating cholesterol and fatty foods.

• I am eating according to the rules.

• I am controlling diabetes.

• Regular walking or light jogging.

• I am controlling anxiety.

• Do not take drugs.

• Do not drink alcohol.

Treatment

Managing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and dissolving blood clots is essential to treat ischemic stroke. The first step is to take the patient to a doctor as quickly as possible. Following that, a CT scan or MRI should be performed to assess the extent of the stroke. Medications such as alteplase and aspirin may be administered to help dissolve the clotted blood.

Thiazide diuretics, which can be used with a doctor’s advice to help reduce excessive blood pressure, work by increasing urine output. This decreases the body’s water content, lowering blood pressure by reducing blood volume.

If cholesterol or LDL levels in the blood are high, statin medications, such as atorvastatin or lovastatin, may be prescribed.

What to do to prevent neurosis

Control BP

Physically Active

Control Blood Glucose

Healthy food