From symptom to causes, everything you need to know about brain stroke

Here’s some data for you on brain stroke:

• At the Fourth Congress of Society of Neuro Vascular Intervention (SNVICON) Mumbai 2019, it was revealed that in every 20 seconds, one Indian suffers a brain stroke.
• This platform also reveals that 1 in 5 women is affected by a brain stroke.
• Every year, 1.8 million people suffer strokes in India.
• And unfortunately, brain stroke is the second most common cause of death, globally.

We are sure that this data is enough to give you jitters and that’s why we want you to learn everything about this deadly disease. 

Dr. Shirish M Hastak, Regional Director, Neurology, Stroke and Neurocritical Care, Global Hospital simplified brain stroke for you
He says, “One may suffer from stroke if the blood supply to the part of your brain is reduced or interrupted, thereby preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. You will be shocked to know that the brain cells tend to die. Trouble in speaking and walking, paralysis, numbness of the face and legs, vision problem and headaches, are some of the signs of a stroke.”

According to the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, these are the symptoms you must look for:

Always remember the acronym FAST:

• Here F stands for face: If a person is smiling and you see drooping on one side of the face then it can be one of the symptoms.
• A stands for arms: If you raise a person’s arms and see it drifting downwards then that’s the second trigger.
• S stands for speech: If the speech is slurred or strange.
• T stands for time to call an ambulance: If you observe any of these symptoms then you must call for help or ambulance. You can call at 102.

According to Dr Hastak this is why people get a brain stroke
The underlined risk factors that predispose one to stroke are obesity, high blood pressure, age, a sedentary lifestyle (smoking, alcohol, faulty eating habits, lack of physical activity), diabetes and high cholesterol, and lipid disorders.

And this is what you can do to minimize its risk

1. Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels from time to time.
2. Take the medications prescribed by your doctor.
3. Exercise on a daily basis. Do aerobics, walking, cycling, swimming, and any other activity of your choice. Opt for relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
4. Bid adieu to a sedentary lifestyle. Also, say no to alcohol and smoking to cut down your risk of stroke.
5. Stick to a well-balanced diet. Include all the essential nutrients in your diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
6. Avoid eating salt, processed, and junk food. Portion control is the key. So, eat smaller portions of food and avoid overeating.

Did you know? Less cholesterol and fat intake, especially saturated fats and trans fats, may help reduce the build-up in your arteries.

Please understand that stroke is treatable. According to the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, it is a complex medical issue but there are ways to significantly reduce its impact.

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If the signs of stroke are recognized early and treatment starts on time then substantial improvement can be achieved.

(With inputs taken from IANS)