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Dangerous disease -

According to WHO, stroke caused the deaths of 6.2 million individuals in 2015. This ranking places stroke second on the organization's list of the top 10 leading causes of death around the world, second only to ischemic heart disease.

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What is a stroke? -

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a stroke occurs when certain brain cells abruptly die due to a lack of oxygen. This happens when blood flow to the brain is disrupted by either a blockage or rupture of an artery in the brain.

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Quick response -

When it comes to detecting strokes and getting help, speed is everything. This is because immediate treatment can make the difference between life and death, or the difference between a complete recovery and a long-term disability.

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Diagnosis -

The American Stroke Association (ASA) recommends using the F.A.S.T. assessment to recognize stroke symptoms. This involves checking for signs of drooping face (F), weakness in the arm (A), and difficulty speaking (S). If you notice all of these then it's time (T) to make an emergency call. Most stroke cases can only be identified with this test.

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Face -

To begin F.A.S.T., you should observe if one side of the face is drooping. Ask the person to smile and assess if their smile appears uneven or lopsided.

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Arms -

Is there any weakness in the individual's arms? Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm appear lower than the other or are they unable to lift one of their arms?

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Speech -

Ask them to say a straightforward phrase. Is there any slurring in their speech?

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Time -

The ASA advises that if someone exhibits any of these symptoms, even if they go away, it is important to contact emergency services and inform them that it could be a stroke. Assistance will be dispatched promptly.

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Emergency -

Always call for urgent help, regardless of any uncertainty about the symptoms, as time could be critical. 

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Describe the symptoms -

When contacting emergency services, describe the symptoms to the phone operator.

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Other signs -

The ASA says that additional symptoms might present individually or alongside the signs of F.A.S.T.

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Disorientation -

Is there sudden confusion, trouble with speech, or difficulty understanding when communicating?

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Body numbness -

Other possible symptoms include a sudden feeling of numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body.

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How's the vision? -

Is the individual encountering new problems with their vision? This can affect one or both eyes.

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Dizziness -

Other signs of a stroke include difficulty with walking, feeling dizzy, and experiencing loss of balance or coordination.

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Headache -

Is the individual suffering an intense headache with no apparent cause?

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Types of strokes -

Stroke can occur in two forms: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

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Ischemic stroke -

This is the most common type of stroke, impacting approximately 80% of patients. This variation of stroke is a result of insufficient blood flow to the brain.

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Ischemic stroke subtype -

In this type of stroke, there is also Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), where a temporary blockage occurs in one of the blood vessels.

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Ischemic stroke risk factors - Certain behaviors and clinical conditions can increase the risk of this particular type of stroke. These include hypertension, obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, a family history of heart disease or diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.

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Hemorrhagic stroke -

This stroke is not very common and happens when a blood vessel ruptures inside the skull.

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Hemorrhagic stroke causes -

Hypertension is the primary cause of this kind of stroke, as it weakens brain arteries, increasing their vulnerability to rupture.

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Hemorrhagic stroke risk factor -

Factors that increase the risk include obesity, alcohol abuse, smoking, stress, and inactivity.

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Most affected groups -

Stroke is more prevalent in adults aged 65 and above.

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Most affected groups -

The risk of the disease in women can be heightened by pregnancy and the use of hormonal contraceptives.

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Diagnosis -

During the clinical examination, a doctor will inquire about the patient's symptoms and assess their continuity. The physician will also gather details concerning the patient's medication and inquire about their family's history of heart disease and stroke.

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Medical exam -

The doctor will assess various indicators such as blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, the doctor may evaluate their eyes.

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Further exams -

A blood test can be used to determine the clotting time of blood, assess the sugar level, and identify any imbalances in the chemical composition of the blood.

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Further exams -

The physician may request an MRI and CT scan for examination purposes.

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Further exams -

A brain angiogram is a test that allows doctors to view the arteries in the brain and neck in order to identify any potential changes. By using an ultrasound on the carotid artery, doctors can examine if there is a buildup of fat deposits within the arteries and determine if blood flow is normal.

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Echocardiogram -

During this examination, the physician will observe detailed images of the heart to identify any clots that may potentially migrate to the brain, resulting in a stroke.

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Ischemic stroke treatment -

Emergency medication can enhance survival rates and minimize additional complications. Depending on the situation, doctors may administer these medications through direct brain injection or surgical intervention.

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Hemorrhagic stroke treatment -

In an emergency situation, doctors utilize medications to reduce intracranial pressure, lower blood pressure, and prevent vasospasm and seizures. Surgery may be necessary to repair damaged blood vessels.

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Complications to follow -

A stroke can result in temporary or permanent difficulties, depending on its severity and the duration of oxygen deprivation. Fortunately, certain consequences can be reversed through recovery and rehabilitation programs.

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Paralysis or loss of movement -

A stroke can result in paralysis in certain parts of the body, typically affecting the facial and arm muscles the most.

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Difficulty talking or swallowing -

A stroke may also harm the muscles surrounding the mouth and throat.

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Memory -

After experiencing a stroke, many people may encounter memory loss or difficulty with cognitive functions. Occasionally, patients may report discomfort, numbness, or unusual sensations in the parts of the body affected by the disease.

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Behavioral changes -

Certain individuals may experience social isolation due to their reliance on others for basic tasks, like drinking water. Strokes are a prominent factor contributing to dementia and depression.

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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) -

Individuals who have had a stroke face an increased risk of experiencing thrombosis, the formation of blood clots in the leg. This condition predominantly affects those who have endured impairments in their mobility.

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Recovery and rehabilitation -

Stroke survivors require ongoing assistance and treatment, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychotherapy. 

See also: The countries with the best healthcare in the world

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