IRIS
Stroke is a debilitating condition. It is not a one-time event and can lead to lifelong disabilities of varying severity. Nearly one out of every thousand Indians suffers from a stroke, making it a major health concern. People often delay timely medical attention and treatment due to a lack of knowledge about stroke symptoms and risk factors.
What many people are unaware of is that between 82% and 90% of strokes are preventable through simple lifestyle measures. These include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and going for regular medical check-ups to manage blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels.
What to do during a stroke? The answer lies in the criticality of time. Every second counts in stroke management. Scroll down to learn how to recognize a stroke early, understand ways to prevent it, and manage it promptly.
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Stroke is a medical emergency. It happens when there is an obstruction that hinders the blood flow to the brain. One of the main causes of strokes is a clogged blood artery or bleeding in the brain tissue. Many medical professionals denote this condition as "brain attacks" or "cerebrovascular accidents" (CVAs).
There are peculiar warning signs that help a person recognize a stroke on time. As soon as you see a person experiencing a stroke and exhibiting early signs of stroke, reach out for the emergency services closest to you without delay.
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Stroke complications can manifest in different ways depending on the part of the brain that is affected. While some disabilities may eventually get better with time, others can debilitate you for lifelong. Here are the common complications associated with stroke:
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The following are the various causes of stroke:
| Type of Stroke | Description | Common Causes |
| Ischemic Stroke | Occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. | Atherosclerosis (hardened arteries) Atrial fibrillation (especially when associated with sleep apnea) Clotting disorders Heart defects (including atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect) Microvascular ischemic disease |
| Hemorrhagic Stroke | Happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or leaks, causing bleeding. | Brain aneurysms Brain tumors Long-standing or very high blood pressure Moyamoya disease Conditions that weaken brain blood vessels |
| Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) | A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain; symptoms resolve on their own but signal a high future stroke risk. | Temporary blood clots Underlying vascular disease Untreated risk factors, such as hypertension or heart rhythm disorders |
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Strokes can manifest in many ways. The acronym BE FAST can help you or a loved one notice the warning signs of a stroke:
| Step | What to Check |
| Balance | Sudden loss of balance |
| Eyes | Sudden vision changes |
| Face | Ask the person to smile |
| Arms | Ask the person to raise both arms |
| Speech | Listen to how they speak |
| Time | Act immediately |
You can lower your risk of stroke the most by maintaining your overall well-being. Do your best to:
The ischemic stroke differs from the hemorrhagic stroke in the following ways:
| Feature | Ischemic Stroke | Hemorrhagic Stroke |
| Cause | Blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain | Rupture or bleeding from a blood vessel in the brain |
| Most Common Type | More common | Less common |
| Blood Flow | Reduced or stopped due to a clot | Blood leaks into the brain tissue |
| Typical Triggers | Atherosclerosis, heart rhythm disorders, and blood clots | High blood pressure, aneurysms, weakened blood vessels |
| Treatment Approach | Clot-dissolving drugs or procedures to restore blood flow | Controlling bleeding, reducing pressure, and sometimes surgery |
| Urgency | Medical emergency | Medical emergency |
Several factors will determine the therapies you'll require, such as:
In the case of an ischemic stroke, doctors will disintegrate and remove the clot through the bloodstream. The treatment for a hemorrhagic stroke focuses on stopping the bleeding that led to it. Medication is necessary to control your blood pressure and halt the bleeding in your brain. In order to lower the elevated intracranial pressure surrounding your brain, surgery may be necessary.
Rehabilitation after a stroke is a crucial component of postoperative stroke patient care. After a stroke, your brain and body will undergo changes that require rehabilitation to help you adapt. Depending on the nature of your disability, you may need to learn new skills or adapt to ones you already have. It involves the following therapies:
A stroke can occur unexpectedly and significantly impact your life. If you feel like you are at high risk of getting a stroke, don't hesitate to call for help and get treated before it happens. To improve your chances of survival and recovery, get assessed and evaluated as soon as possible.
Consult the top neurologists in Kolkata at IRIS Hospital for personalized care for stroke. Book your consultation now!
Q1: Can individuals recover completely after a stroke?
A: The type of stroke, the quickness with which therapy is initiated, and the severity of brain impairment all influence the extent of recovery.
Q2: Can someone have another stroke event after the first?
A: Yes, the possibility of a second stroke exists, especially if underlying risk factors are not addressed.
Q3: Will the patient be able to resume normal daily activities?
A: Many stroke patients gradually return to their regular activities with adequate care and therapy.
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