Awareness • Prevention • Fast Action
In calendar, World Stroke Day is mentioned on October 29 to raise alertness about stroke (all kinds of stroke)— a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain interrupted from its regular circulation. Mostly happens with sudden shock or surprise. Early detection of symptoms and quick treatment to treat them can prevent disability and save lives.
Reasons of Strock
In medical language stroke occurs when a supplying blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked (ischemic stroke) or bursts (haemorrhagic stroke). These are the two types of causes.
Major risk factors include:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension) – this is the most common and primary cause.
- Smoking and tobacco use – these are the causes occurred due to damages blood vessels, increases clot formation by excessive smoking and intake of tobacco.
- Diabetes and high cholesterol –nowadays food quality and consumption increase diabetes and cholesterol affects our lifestyle and therefore affects blood vessel integrity and promote plaque buildup.
- Heart disease/irregular heart rhythm (Atrial fibrillation) – Due to several heart conditions or diseases, may send clots to the brain, which leads brain to cause stroke.
- Unhealthy lifestyle – obesity, lack of exercise, high-fat/high-salt diet, these can also be causes of stroke.
- Age and family history also increase risk.
- Emotional Stress – due to some emotional shock, or sudden distress also cause brain to go numb.
Symptoms of Stroke
Symptoms of stroke suddenly appear and can be wary by many means like it could me of any mental cause or can also be of any emotional cause, shock or surprise, but all need to take immediate actions or else it can be worsened:
- Weakness or detachment shock on face, arm, or leg (especially on one side).
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Eye-sight problems in one or both eyes.
- Loss of steadiness, faintness, difficulty in walking.
- Unexpected severe headache without identified cause
Recognize Stroke — F.A.S.T.
| F – Face | Smile: Is one side drooping? |
| A – Arm | Raise both arms: Does one drift down? |
| S – Speech | Is speech slurred or confused? |
| T – Time | Call emergency services immediately. |
Prevention and Protections
- Maintain a steady and simple diet; decrease salt, sugar, and processed foods (especially junk foods).
- Exercise regularly (walking, yoga, or any physical activity). Even playing is good.
- Control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Suggest from any doctor.
- Completely avoid smoking and alcohol.
- Schedule regular health check-ups to your regular doctor.
What One should Do Through a Stroke Emergency
- Call emergency medical help immediately. (first thing)
- Help the person lie-down with head little raised.
- Do not give food, water, or any medication, it might increase risk of choking.
- Observe breathing; keep the airway clear until help arrives.
Key Message:
Stroke is preventable. Stroke is treatable. Act FAST — every minute matters.