Many people suffer from brain strokes due to factors such as high blood pressure, excessive stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity. Recent research has revealed a troubling connection between COVID-19 and increased stroke risks, particularly among patients with pre-existing conditions.
Recognizing the Symptoms Are you experiencing sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of your body? Is your vision blurring or disappearing, leaving everything dark? Are your lips pulled to one side? If you notice these signs, you may be experiencing a stroke. Unlike heart attacks, where prompt treatment can save a life, strokes often lead to lifelong disabilities, severely impacting a person’s quality of life. That’s why it is vital to respond immediately if stroke symptoms appear.
World Stroke Day: Raising Awareness World Stroke Day emphasizes the need for awareness and education about stroke prevention and treatment. Many people mistakenly associate strokes solely with heart attacks, but brain strokes are equally dangerous. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted due to blood clots or bleeding in the brain, which can lead to permanent disability or death if not treated within four hours. Alarmingly, in India, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, and a person dies from a stroke every four minutes. Despite this, public awareness about strokes remains limited compared to heart disease.
Types of Brain Strokes There are two main types of brain strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke: This accounts for approximately 87% of all strokes and occurs when blood clots block blood vessels in the brain, leading to a lack of blood supply.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type involves bleeding in the brain and makes up about 13% of strokes.
Both types of strokes can lead to severe complications, including paralysis and permanent disability.
Causes of Brain Stroke Several factors contribute to the risk of stroke, including:
- Blood clots in the brain
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Heart diseases
- Family history of strokes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Severe stress and insomnia
- Sleep apnea
- Recent studies suggest that climate change may also play a role in increasing stroke risks.
Preventing Brain Strokes Early detection and treatment are crucial in reducing the risk of permanent disability. Taking individuals to hospitals equipped with MRI and CT scan facilities within four hours of experiencing stroke symptoms can significantly increase survival rates and improve outcomes.
Preventive measures include managing blood pressure and sugar levels through a healthy lifestyle. It is essential to recognize the urgency of seeking medical help; even a minute’s delay can push a stroke victim toward permanent disability.
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