Understanding Stroke

Stroke is a cerebro vascular disease when a blocked blood vessel to the brain can deprive blood supply to an area of the brain. This shall lead to the instant damage or death of brain cells. Treating a stroke is a race against time to restore blood flow to the affected area so that the brain cells neighboring those that are dead can recover.

Types of Stroke

Ischemic Stroke is a common stroke condition of reduced blood flow to the brain which may be due to cerebral thrombosis, embolism or systemic hypoperfusion.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a brain blood vessel ruptures resulting in accumulation of blood within the skull.

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke is short term temporary loss of brain function due to a fleeting blood vessel disruption.

Causes of Stroke

Ailing arteries that tend to get narrowed due to the deposition of cholesterol and other debris on the artery walls builds up pressure within resulting in blocked blood supply or rupture of artery and blood clots.

Sometimes a weakened spot on the artery wall progressively stretches and breaks leading to hemorrhagic stroke.

A blood clot due to irregular heart beat can ultimately make its way to the brain.

Risk Factors

Hypertension, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, obesity, diseased arteries, elevated blood lipids, unhealthy diet, etc.

Treatment & Prevention

Stroke is usually treated with anti-platelet, anti-coagulant and clot-dissolving drugs. Surgery and rehabilitation will reduce the risk of stroke.

Prompt eating habits with low salt and low fat diet is the primary preventive measure to fend off stroke and several lifestyle diseases.

Curbing your smoking habit and controlling hypertension and diabetes with proper medication will keep stroke at bay.

Regular physical activity and exercises enhances cardiac health, reduces blood cholesterol levels and lets you control your weight.

Stress can spoil the internal harmony and so we must learn to let go our needless worries.

Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding illicit drugs will help to prevent stroke in the long run.