Why does stroke occur?

Most strokes are a result of an abrupt blockage of arteries leading to the brain (ischemic stroke) by locally formed clots or by dislodged fragments of clots formed either in distally narrowed arteries or in heart due to conditions like irregular heartbeat, heart attack or valvular disease. The narrowing of arteries usually occurs due to cholesterol deposition (atherosclerosis), and uncommonly due to arterial inflammation (vasculitis) or trauma, oral contraceptive or street drug use and disorders of blood clotting.

Other causes are the bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke), resulting in bleeding either within the brain, most commonly due to hypertension, or in the space surrounding the brain, often due to abnormal swellings in the arteries called aneurysms. Other causes, though less frequent, include trauma, infections, tumours and blood clotting deficiencies.

What are the risk factors of stroke?

Factors that can put you at risk include the ageing process itself, uncontrolled diabetes, blood pressure or cholesterol, smoking, obesity, cardiac abnormalities, lack of exercise and family history of stroke.

Are there any warning signs?

The common warning signs include sudden onset of weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially often on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or severe headache with no known cause.

How can a stroke be treated?

Rehabilitation is an integral component of management of patients with stroke and should begin as soon as the patient is medically stable. The treating doctor along with physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietician and speech therapist, make a treatment plan tailored for the individual patient’s needs. Regular assessment after discharge is a must to modify the types and settings of rehabilitation according to the patient’s recovery.

How can stroke be prevented?

Prevention is the most effective way to lower the chances of a major, disabling or fatal stroke and includes addressing the various risk factors. These include control of weight, blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking should be stopped, the person should take up active physical activities. Drugs that prevent clot formation may be used in those who have already suffered a stroke. Procedures are also available to open a major clogged artery either surgically or with the use of a stent.

Pic Credit: Max Brown