What Everyone Needs to Know About Stroke: A Comprehensive Guide

Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention as it can lead to serious complications, including death. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) of a blood vessel in the brain. Here, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for strokes, emphasizing the importance of prompt medical intervention.

In this guide, the experts at IRIS Hospital, Kolkata, including our experienced neurologists in Kolkata, explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for stroke—emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and timely medical intervention.

Causes of Stroke

Strokes can occur for various reasons, but they all result in the same outcome: damage to brain cells due to lack of oxygen. Some common causes of Strokes include:

• Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can eventually block blood flow to the brain.
• High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can weaken blood vessels over time, making them more susceptible to rupture.
• Heart Disease: Conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart valve disorders can lead to blood clots that can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
• Smoking: Tobacco use increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases that can lead to stroke.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke.

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Symptoms of Stroke

Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is crucial for seeking prompt medical attention. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden vision changes, such as blurred or double vision.
• Severe headache with no known cause.
• Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.

It is essential to remember the acronym FAST to identify stroke symptoms quickly:

• F: Face drooping
• A: Arm weakness
• S: Speech difficulty
• T: Time to call emergency services

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Stroke Treatment in Kolkata

Treatment depends on the type and severity of stroke and how quickly medical care is provided. At IRIS Hospital, one of the top neurology hospitals in Kolkata, our stroke team provides comprehensive emergency and rehabilitation care.

Common treatment options include:

• Clot-Busting Medications: In the case of an ischemic stroke, medications such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) may be administered to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain.
• Mechanical Thrombectomy: This procedure involves using a catheter to remove a blood clot from a blocked artery in the brain, restoring blood flow and reducing the risk of long-term disability.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged blood vessels or remove a clot that cannot be treated with medication.
• Rehabilitation: After a stroke, rehabilitation therapy, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, may be necessary to help patients regain lost function and improve their quality of life.

 

Preventing Strokes

While some risk factors for strokes, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of having a stroke:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels under control through medication and lifestyle modifications.
• Seek medical treatment for conditions such as atrial fibrillation, heart disease, and diabetes to reduce the risk of stroke.

Conclusion

Strokes are a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for strokes can help individuals recognize the signs of a stroke and seek prompt medical care, potentially reducing the risk of long-term disability and improving outcomes. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent strokes and maintain their brain health. Book an Appointment at IRIS Hospital today to consult with our expert neurologists.