*हिंदी में पढ़ें: मस्तिष्क आघात (ब्रेन स्ट्रोक): चेतावनी के लक्षण, प्रकार, निदान, उपचार, जोखिम कारक, रोकथाम
A brain stroke or a brain attack is a critical condition that occurs when the oxygen supply to the brain is interrupted. Strokes often strike without any warning signs and require prompt treatment. When this happens, brain cells start dying out fast. The patient may suffer lifelong disability or even die.
Knowledge about stroke basics can help you identify the warning signs and take fast action to save a precious life. In this blog, we are going to give you an overview of the major aspects of a brain stroke.
Warning Signs: Symptoms of Stroke
It is important to recognise the signs of a stroke, since the condition demands prompt attention. The patient should be rushed immediately to a speciality hospital to reduce the magnitude of irreversible damage. Remember to BE FAST:
| B.E.F.A.S.T. | What it Means |
| Balance | Inability to maintain balance or walk |
| Eyes | Blurry or double vision, or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes |
| Face Drooping | One side of the face seems drooping or numb; inability to smile properly |
| Arm Weakness | The patient can’t raise both arms, as one arm doesn’t lift |
| Speech Difficulty | Trouble speaking (or understanding) even simple sentences |
| Time to Act | Take quick action. Rush the patient to the emergency. |
*Note: Medical help must be sought right away, even if the symptoms go away on their own in some cases.
👉 Learn more about early warning signs of stroke
Types of Stroke
There are 3 main types of strokes depending on the cause:
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to a blood clot. The blood clot may form in the brain itself or travel there from elsewhere. Ischemic strokes account for 87% of all strokes.
Haemorrhagic Stroke
A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding in a blood vessel in the brain, disrupting proper blood flow and depriving some parts of the brain of oxygen and nutrients. Though less common than ischemic strokes, haemorrhagic strokes are often more dangerous.
Transient Ischemic Attack (Tia)
Sometimes, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is considered a third type of stroke. Also known as a warning stroke, it is a mini-stroke that has the same symptoms as a proper stroke – only the duration is shorter and it does not cause permanent damage. A TIA is often a prelude to a full-fledged stroke.
A stroke is often sudden without any warning signs. This makes it important to recognise symptoms and act fast.
👉 Learn more about types of stroke
Diagnosing a Stroke
At Sohana Hospital, highly experienced specialists use a combination of a neurological examination and advanced diagnostics. Here are some of the tests that may be used to help confirm a stroke:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- CT scan (Computed Tomography scan)
- EEG (Electroencephalogram)
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Once the patient reaches Sohana Hospital, a leading super-speciality hospital with 24/7 emergency, all the diagnostic tests are available under one roof. The best neurologists in Chandigarh understand the gravity of the situation and act fast. We leave no stone unturned in providing quick diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for Brain Stroke
Early brain stroke treatment can help minimise damage. Expert neurologists at Sohana Hospital decide the treatment based on the type of stroke.
1. Ischemic Stroke Treatment
- Thrombolytic Therapy (tPA): If the patient reaches the hospital early enough (within 4.5 hours of stroke), we administer a clot-busting drug. It dissolves the clot blocking the blood flow to the brain. Time is the key here.
- Mechanical Thrombectomy: In this operation, specialist surgeons physically remove the clot with the help of a catheter.
- Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications: The patient is prescribed medicines to prevent the formation of new clots.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment
- Blood Pressure Management: Medicines are given to control blood pressure and minimise the risk of further bleeding.
- Surgical Intervention: Some patients may require surgery to repair the ruptured blood vessel or remove accumulated blood.
- Aneurysm Clipping or Coiling: These surgeries are utilised to seal off a weakened blood vessel.
Recovering from a Brain Stroke
Once the patient stabilises, the focus is on recovery. A multidisciplinary team of doctors at Sohana Hospital provides personalised care to each patient to help them get back on the path to recovery. We utilise a combination of various therapies for the purpose:
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Emotional Support
👉 Learn more about brain stroke recovery
Risk Factors for Stroke
Several factors raise the probability of suffering a stroke. Some of them can be controlled, while others are beyond control. Let’s have a look at some of the common risk factors:
- Age above 55
- Family history
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Lack of physical activity
- Poor nutrition
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Drug abuse
- Heart disease
Among these factors, age and family history are beyond your control. But adopting healthy habits is something you can do.
👉 Learn more about the causes of a brain stroke
Prevention Strategies for Brain Stroke
Given that someone in India suffers a brain stroke every 40 seconds, it is essential to take preventive steps to minimise your risk.
- Manage blood pressure
- Pay attention to cholesterol levels
- Keep diabetes under check
- Quit smoking
- Eat healthy
- Exercise regularly
Some steps you can take to safeguard yourself from stroke include leading an active lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, avoiding junk food, alcohol, and smoking, while keeping your blood sugar and cholesterol levels under control.
👉 Learn more about brain stroke prevention strategies
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of strokes, their initial symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies is crucial. It can help you look after yourself and your loved ones.
Once you recognise that someone around you is exhibiting the symptoms of a stroke, get immediate medical attention. Fast action can be the difference between a life saved and a person disabled for life. The quicker you respond, the better the outcomes.
For prompt medical support and advanced treatment for stroke, visit Sohana Hospital, Mohali. The highly expert multidisciplinary team of the leading super-speciality hospital is committed to providing top-notch neurology treatment along with personalised rehab therapies, ensuring the best results for patients.
👉Manage your risk factors – Reduce your likelihood of a stroke
👉Identify stroke signs fast – Save a life!
FAQs
1. What are the most common causes of a brain stroke?
High BP, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and heart disease are some prominent causes of a brain stroke.
2. How is high blood pressure related to stroke?
High BP may damage blood vessels, making them susceptible to clogging or rupturing. This may lead to a stroke.
3. Are strokes painful?
Some stroke types cause intense headaches, while others may have a mild headache or no pain.
4. Is it possible to prevent strokes, and how to minimise stroke risk?
Yes, sometimes strokes are preventable. You can lower your risk by following a healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly, eat healthy, quit smoking, and manage stress.
5. How is a stroke diagnosed?
Diagnosing a stroke involves a physical examination, followed by advanced diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan and an MRI.
6. What is the treatment for a stroke?
Immediate treatment options include the clot-dissolving thrombolysis injection and clot removal procedure (mechanical thrombectomy) in acute stroke patients within the golden hour. Afterwards, various rehabilitation therapies may be required to regain lost skills.
7. How long does stroke recovery take?
Recovery varies from patient to patient. It may take weeks, months, or even years, depending on the intensity of the stroke and rehab.
8. What is the Golden Hour for stroke patients?
It is the critical 4.5 hour window from the onset of stroke. Prompt treatment during this time can significantly enhance the likelihood of recovery and reduce the risk of long-term damage.