Detecting the warning signs of a stroke is crucial for prompt medical intervention, as prompt treatment can substantially decrease the damage and raise recovery probabilities. A stroke, referred to as a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), happens when blood flow to a portion of the brain is disrupted or diminished, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
The warning signs of a stroke can vary depending on the type of stroke (Ischemic Or Hemorrhagic) and the specific area of the brain affected.
Two Types Of Stroke
The most common type of stroke is an Ischemic Stroke, which is caused by a blood clot. A clot may form in an artery that delivers blood to the brain. A clot formed elsewhere can travel until it blocks a vessel supplying blood to the brain. When blood can't reach a brain section, the tissue in that area dies due to lack of oxygen.
Another stroke type is referred to as Hemorrhagic Stroke. This occurs when a weak blood vessel ruptures due to high blood pressure, leading to blood pooling and increased brain pressure.
Stroke Predisposition OR Who Is Likely To Have A Stroke?
Strokes can occur at any age, but the risk heightens as you get older.
– Family history: Having a family history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke) heightens your risk.
– Age: People over 65 years of age are more at risk.
– Gender: Women are more susceptible to dying from stroke than men.
– Medical conditions: Other medical conditions that increase your risk of stroke include:
• high blood pressure
• increased cholesterol
• hyperglycemia
• heart conditions such as Atrial fibrillation
• rare blood disorders
• pregnancy states
• oncological conditions
• immune disorders.
– Lifestyle risk factors: Although some stroke risk factors are uncontrollable, many lifestyle choices can elevate your stroke risk.
• chronic hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills.
• smoking cigarettes.
• inactivity.
• alcohol misuse.
• drug use, such as copyright, heroin, and amphetamines.
Signs & Symptoms Of Stroke
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the warning signs or symptoms:
• Sudden numbness or weakness: A common sign of a stroke is sudden numbness or weakness, usually affecting the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. This might show as face drooping, arm or leg weakness, or difficulty moving a limb.
• Confusion or trouble speaking: People having a stroke might suddenly struggle with speaking or understanding speech. They might slur their speech, struggle to find the correct words, or fail to understand language adequately.
• Trouble seeing: Stroke can abruptly cause vision issues, like blurred or double vision, losing vision in one or same both eyes, or problems seeing out of one eye.
• Severe headache: An unexpected, intense headache with no clear cause can signal a haemorrhagic stroke, occurring when a brain blood vessel ruptures or leaks.
• Dizziness or loss of balance: Stroke can lead to dizziness, loss of coordination, or difficulty walking. This might appear as sudden vertigo, balance difficulties, or a spinning feeling.
• Difficulty walking: Stroke can lead to sudden walking problems, including stumbling, balance loss, or lack of coordination. They may also have sudden leg weakness.
• Facial drooping: One side of the face may droop or become numb, making it difficult to smile or control facial expressions. This asymmetric facial droop is a hallmark of stroke.
• Sudden onset of symptoms: Stroke symptoms usually come on suddenly and may worsen rapidly over minutes to hours. It’s crucial to pay attention to the sudden Nutrition onset of any unusual symptoms, even if they seem mild at first.
It’s vital to keep in mind the acronym FAST to identify stroke symptoms and take quick action:
• Face drooping: Request the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arm weakness: Request the person to raise both arms. surgeon Does one arm fall down?
• Speech difficulty: Request the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech strange or slurred?
• Time to call emergency services: Spotting any of these signs indicates it's Wellness time to call emergency services without delay. Time is essential in stroke treatment, and swift intervention can save lives and lessen long-term disability.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Stroke?
A brain stem stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you have symptoms that indicate a stroke, your doctor will likely order imaging tests such as an MRI scan, CT scan, Doppler ultrasound, or angiogram (Digital Subtraction Angiography). Heart function testing may include an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Additional diagnostic procedures may include blood tests, as well as kidney and liver function testing.
Treatments & Approaches For Stroke
Interventional Approach or Minimal Invasive Method
In the case of an ischemic stroke, the primary treatment is to dissolve or extract the blood clot. When diagnosed early, clot-busting medications may be administered. A catheter might be used to remove the clot in a procedure known as an embolectomy. In certain cases, angioplasty and stenting are performed to widen an artery and keep it open.
Interventional procedures like these are always done in we a CATHLAB, not in an operating theatre, and are operated by an interventional radiologist or neurologist. Hence, before rushing to a hospital, check whether the hospital has both OT and CATHLAB.
At Jinkushal hospital, we have a CATHLAB and an operating theatre together to manage any complications. The notable feature of this CATHLAB is its inbuilt CT scan, so in case of emergency, time is not wasted transferring the patient for a CT scan, which enables the procedure to be done precisely, reducing the chances of complications.
Surgical Method
With a hemorrhagic stroke, the bleeding needs to be stopped. {In this surgical approach, the skull is opened surgically (craniotomy) to release the pressure|This surgical method involves opening the skull surgically (craniotomy) to release the pressure|This surgical procedure requires opening the skull (craniotomy) to relieve the pressure|This surgical technique involves a crani