World Stroke Day 2022
World Stroke Day is observed globally every year on the 29th of October. This day is observed to shine a light on stroke and how serious it is. World Stroke Day also focuses on creating awareness about the various symptoms, risk factors, early detection, prevention, and treatment of stroke. Acknowledging stroke symptoms is essential, as stroke can become fatal if not treated on time.
Let's dive in to learn about Stroke and its symptoms to watch out for
What Is A Stroke?
When a blood vessel in the brain bursts or ruptures and bleeds or when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or reduced, a stroke occurs. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires instant action, as it may cause severe brain damage or long-term disability. A stroke may even lead to death.
Types Of Strokes
1. Ischemic Stroke: It is one of the most common types of strokes that happen as a result of the narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels, which causes the blood flow to reduce severely. The blockage is usually caused by blood clots or by the build-up of fatty deposits within the blood vessels.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: When a blood vessel ruptures or leaks in the brain, hemorrhagic stroke occurs. High blood pressure, aneurysm, trauma or injury, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, excessive treatment with blood thinners, or an ischemic stroke that leads to hemorrhagic are certain factors that are associated with hemorrhagic Stroke.
3. Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Sometimes also called a mini-stroke, Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is similar to an ischemic stroke. However, it is essential to remember that it might be a warning sign of an upcoming stroke in the future, and hence, it must also be attended to immediately.
Symptoms Of Stroke To Watch Out For And Immediately Attend To
The brain is responsible for controlling different areas of the body. Symptoms of a stroke are usually seen in the body parts controlled by the areas of the brain that have been damaged. The various symptoms of stroke include:
- A numb or weak feeling in the arm, leg, and face, especially on any one side of the body.
- Difficulty speaking
- Slurred speech
- Paralysis
- Confusion
- Lack of response
- Behavioral changes
- Vision changes
- Balance or coordination problem
- Feeling dizzy
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty in walking
- Agitation
A Stroke Is A Medical Emergency. Look For The Following Signs, Act Fast And Follow These Steps Immediately.
F- Face drooping; ask the patient to smile! Is one side of the face drooping?
A-Arms, are the patient's arms feeling weak or numb? Ask the patient to raise both arms to check.
S – Speech, is there slurring while the patient is talking?
T – Time, if you observe any of these, it's time to call 108 or emergency medical assistance immediately.
Risk Factors Of Stroke
Various risk factors put a person at the risk of stroke. These risk factors include,
- Old age
- Personal or family history
- Obesity
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Illegal substance use
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High level of body cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Having cardiovascular diseases like heart failure or heart infection
- Excessive use of birth control or hormone therapies
Prevention Is The Best Way To Be Alert
This World Stroke Day 2022, pledge to inculcate healthy lifestyle changes like eating healthy, maintaining healthy weight, not drinking or smoking and exercising regularly to help prevent the risk of stroke. Ensure to raise awareness among the people you know about the symptoms, risk factors and prevention measures of stroke. This World Stroke Day 2022, informs people about the importance of knowing the basic signs and symptoms of stroke and not ignoring them, as stroke is a medical emergency.
