Do you have these symptoms too? Let's learn exactly what a stroke is!

The brain is one of the most important organs in our body. So what if the brain doesn't get enough blood? Imagine what would happen in a short time. This is the kind of sudden, dangerous situation we're talking about today, called a stroke. You may have heard it called a 'paralysis'. This is a very serious situation, so it's important for you and your loved ones to know exactly what to do.

What is a stroke? What actually happens to the brain?

Simply put, a stroke is a condition that occurs when the blood supply that carries oxygen and nutrients to our brain is suddenly cut off or reduced. Just like a blocked water pipe in our house can cause a water shortage, when the brain loses blood, brain cells begin to die. This is very dangerous, because once brain cells die, they are very difficult to regenerate.

Doctors sometimes call this a ``Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVAs)'', which means "an accident to the blood vessels in the brain." Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, so it's not something to be taken lightly.

A stroke can occur in two main ways:

1. Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type of stroke . A blood clot blocks a blood vessel that carries blood to the brain, completely or partially blocking blood flow.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds into or around the brain.

Either way, a stroke is a medical emergency. Every second counts. The sooner treatment is started, the greater the chance of reducing brain damage and saving a life.

What are the symptoms of a stroke? How do you recognize them?

The symptoms of a stroke can vary from person to person. They also vary depending on where in the brain the stroke is. However, there are some common symptoms. One or more of these may occur at the same time:

• Difficulty speaking, or complete loss of speech (`Aphasia`). Slurred speech, inability to say the words you want to say, and difficulty understanding what others are saying.
• Blurred vision, double vision (`Diplopia`), or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Feeling confused and anxious.
• Sometimes loss of consciousness (`Coma`) can occur.
• Dizziness, a feeling of spinning (`Vertigo`).
• A sudden, severe headache. This can feel much worse than a normal headache.
• Loss of muscle control on one side of the face. The face may appear to be pulled to one side when smiling.
• Loss of balance, inability to control limbs, and staggering like a drunk person (`Ataxia`).
• Loss of memory (`Amnesia`).
• Things like sudden changes in behavior, anger, and agitation.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Stiff neck.
• To suddenly faint and fall.
• Seizures.
• Slurred speech, stuttering (Dysarthria).
• It is normal for the body's senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) to suddenly decrease or disappear.
• Numbness, weakness, or complete loss of power on one side of the body (face, arm, leg) (Paralysis).

If you or someone you know has one or more of these symptoms, the best thing to do is to seek medical advice immediately. Don't waste time.

How long can a stroke last? What are the effects?

How long a stroke lasts depends on how long the blood supply to the brain is cut off. Brain cells can't survive without oxygen for long. They begin to die within minutes. If enough brain cells die in an area, the damage can be permanent. This means that problems with speech, walking, and memory loss can last a lifetime.

That's why we say time is of the essence . If we restore blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible, we can prevent permanent damage or at least reduce its severity.

Even after treatment, the effects of a stroke can last for some time. Some symptoms and side effects may last for a year or more.

Warning signs of a stroke! Remember to 'BE FAST'

There is an easy way to recognize a stroke. It is called 'BE FAST' . This is an acronym formed by combining the first letters of several English words. If you remember this, you can act quickly if you or someone close to you notice the symptoms of a stroke.

• B - Balance: You may suddenly lose your balance , feel dizzy, and have difficulty walking.
• E - Eyes: Sudden blurred vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or partial vision.
• F - Face: The face may be drawn to one side . When asked to smile, one side of the face appears to go down.
• A - Arms: When asked to raise both arms, one arm may not be able to be raised properly and may fall down, or one arm may feel numb.
• S - Speech: Slurring of words when speaking, not remembering what to say, or feeling like your speech is stuttered. It may also be difficult to understand what others are saying.
• T - Time: Time is of the essence! If you see any of these signs , call 1990 (Suwa Sariya) immediately or take the person to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Remembering the time when the symptoms started will also help the doctor a lot in treating them. Because some treatments can only be given within a certain period of time after the symptoms start.

What are the main causes of stroke?

As we've discussed before, there are two main types of strokes, each with different causes.

1. Due to blockage of a blood vessel (Ischemic Stroke)

This happens when a blood clot or something else gets stuck in a blood vessel that carries blood to the brain. It's like a piece of dirt getting stuck in a water pipe. This can be caused by:

• Atherosclerosis: This is when fatty substances like cholesterol build up in the walls of blood vessels over time, causing them to gradually narrow. It's like rust building up inside an old water pipe. Blood clots can easily form in these narrowed areas and get stuck.
• Atrial Fibrillation: This is an irregular heartbeat. When the heart doesn't beat properly, blood clots can form inside the heart. These clots can break loose and get stuck in a blood vessel in the brain. This condition can be especially common in people who snore (Sleep Apnea).
• Clotting disorders: Some people have a tendency for their blood to clot easily.
• Congenital heart defects: For example, those with holes in the heart, such as ``Atrial Septal Defect`` or ``Ventricular Septal Defect``.
• Microvascular ischemic disease: Damage to the very small blood vessels in the brain.

2. Due to a burst blood vessel (Hemorrhagic Stroke)

This occurs when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts and starts bleeding. This can be caused by:

• Brain aneurysms: This is when the wall of a blood vessel in the brain weakens and bulges like a balloon. This can burst suddenly.
• Brain tumors: Some brain tumors can put pressure on blood vessels and cause them to burst.
• High blood pressure: If blood pressure is left uncontrolled for a long time, there is a greater chance that blood vessels will become damaged and burst.
• Moyamoya disease and other conditions that weaken blood vessels in the brain.

Let's also learn about TIA or 'Mini-Stroke'?

You may have heard of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). It is also called a "mini-stroke." It is similar to a stroke, but the symptoms are temporary. The symptoms disappear within a few minutes to a few hours. What happens is that the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, but the interruption is usually resolved and blood flow is restored.

However, a TIA is a serious warning sign! It means that there is a very high risk of having a real stroke in the near future. Therefore, anyone who experiences symptoms of a TIA needs immediate medical attention. Doctors can find out why it happened and give you the necessary treatment to prevent a major stroke.

Who is at higher risk of stroke?

Although anyone can have a stroke, some people are at higher risk. These include:

• People over the age of 65. The risk of stroke increases with age.
• People who smoke, or use other types of tobacco (e.g. chewing tobacco), as well as those who vape.
• People who use drugs.

Also, people with certain medical conditions are at higher risk of stroke:

• People addicted to alcohol (`Alcohol use disorder`).
• It has been found that some people who have contracted COVID-19 may have an increased risk of stroke later in life.
• People who suffer from frequent migraine headaches.
• People with high blood pressure (hypertension). Many people don't even know they have high blood pressure.
• People with high blood cholesterol levels (Hyperlipidemia).
• People with Type 2 Diabetes.

How do you accurately diagnose a stroke?

When you're brought to the emergency room, the first thing a doctor will do is perform a neurological exam. This means checking your ability to speak, your strength, your balance, and your vision.

Then, several tests are done to confirm whether it's a stroke, what type it is, and exactly where in the brain it's affected. The main ones are:

• Blood tests: Check for things like blood clotting problems, sugar levels, and cholesterol levels.
• CT scan: This takes a picture of the brain and can quickly check for bleeding or blocked blood vessels.
• MRI scan: This also takes detailed pictures of the brain. This helps to get a clear picture of the damage that has occurred to the brain.
• E.C.G. (`Electrocardiogram - EKG`): Checks the functioning of the heart. It can detect problems such as `(Atrial Fibrillation)`.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram - EEG): This measures the electrical activity of the brain. Sometimes this can help confirm whether a seizure is occurring.

What are the treatments for a stroke?

The treatment you receive will depend on several factors. These include:

• How much brain damage has occurred due to the stroke?
• Which area of ​​the brain is affected?
• What type of stroke did you have? (A blocked or burst blood vessel?)

However, the doctors' first goal is to restore normal blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible, which can reduce permanent brain damage.

• If someone has an ischemic stroke due to a blockage in a blood vessel, the treatment is to either dissolve or remove the blocked blood clot.
• Thrombolytic medications: These are most effective if given within a few hours of the onset of symptoms.
• Surgery (`Mechanical thrombectomy`): Sometimes, especially if it's a large blood clot, a small tube is inserted through the leg or arm into the brain and the clot is pulled out.
• Medication is also given to control blood pressure.

• For someone who has suffered a hemorrhagic stroke due to a burst blood vessel, the goal is to stop the bleeding inside the brain and reduce the pressure on the brain.
• Medication is given to stop bleeding and control blood pressure.
• Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to remove blood that has accumulated inside the brain, repair a ruptured blood vessel, or reduce pressure on the brain (intracranial pressure).

Your doctor will tell you exactly what treatments are right for you, what to expect from them, and how long it will take to recover.

How important is rehabilitation after a stroke?

Rehabilitation is a very important part of stroke treatment. It's like starting over. It helps you adjust to the changes in your body and mind that have occurred due to the damage to your brain caused by the stroke. It's essential for you to regain your previous abilities or learn to live with new disabilities.

Typically, a rehabilitation program may include one or more of the following:

• Cognitive rehab: Improve mental skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving ability.
• Occupational therapy: Training to do everyday tasks (e.g., dressing, eating, bathing, housework) independently and safely again. This is especially important for tasks that require fine movements.
• Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles, improves balance, and helps regain use of limbs. This can help with things like walking and standing.
• Speech therapy: Helps to restore speech and language comprehension. It also teaches you how to control the muscles that help you speak, breathe, eat, and swallow.

This rehabilitation process can be a little difficult, but don't give up. You can make progress little by little.

What is the recovery rate and recovery time like after a stroke?

It's hard to say for sure how well everyone recovers from a stroke. Strokes can be fatal and can cause permanent disability. However, it's important to stay hopeful. Not everyone's recovery schedule or outcome is the same.

Hemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by a blood vessel bursting, are generally considered to be more dangerous than ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel. However, that does not mean that recovery from other types of strokes is easier, faster, or better.

The progress of your recovery depends on several things:

• How quickly you received treatment.
• Which area of ​​the brain was affected?
• What type of stroke did you have?
• How is your overall health?

It takes many people several months to recover to some extent after a stroke. Your doctor will tell you what to expect based on your condition. He or she will also help you set recovery goals that are right for you.

What can we do to prevent stroke?

"Prevention is better than cure," they say. So if we can prevent a stroke, that's the best thing to do. There are several things we can do to reduce the risk:

• Eat a healthy diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber. Reduce oil, salt, and sugar. Maintain a healthy weight that suits you.
• Exercise regularly. Do a 30-minute, sweat-inducing workout at least 5 days a week.
• Keep your medical conditions (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes) under control. Take the medications prescribed by your doctor on time.
• If you smoke, stop. It's also not good to be around people who smoke.
• See a doctor at least once a year for a complete medical check-up. Most of the time, we don't feel any symptoms even though things like blood pressure and cholesterol are high. They can only be detected through a test. Then, we can treat them early and avoid major illnesses like stroke.

How do you take care of yourself after a stroke? What should you be aware of?

Recovering and rehabilitating after a stroke is a challenging task. Once your doctor has given you a treatment plan, follow it as closely as possible. In general, keep these things in mind:

• Be sure to go to your rehabilitation and other therapy appointments. Tell your therapists if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe about anything. Rehabilitation is hard, but you don't have to be in pain or discomfort all the time.
• Think about your mental health too. Depression and anxiety are very common after a stroke. Don't think that feeling sad or anxious makes you weak. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you feel you need help, talk to a doctor or a mental health counselor .
• Take your medicine properly. Taking your medicine as your doctor tells you will help your body heal.

If these symptoms occur again, when should I go to the hospital immediately?

If you think you are having another stroke, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room without delay. If you have another stroke, the risk of serious complications and even death is high.

People who have had a stroke are also at risk of other serious complications, such as:

• Blood clots in the legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT)
• Heart attack
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism
• Seizures

If you experience any symptoms of this condition, you should immediately call emergency medical services or go to a hospital.

What are the important questions to ask the doctor?

After you have a stroke, it's a good idea to ask your doctor some questions like these:

• What type of stroke did I have?
• Will this stroke cause any long-term effects on me?
• What kind of therapy and rehabilitation do I need?
• What warning signs should I look out for to know if another stroke is coming?

No one knows your body better than you. If you feel like something is wrong or out of place, take action. A stroke is a medical emergency. If you think you are having a stroke, seek help immediately. Getting a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible is the best way to save your life and make a full recovery.

So, what is the most important thing you want to take home from all this talk?

Okay, so, there are a few things you need to remember from what we've talked about:

A stroke is a sudden attack on the brain. It is very dangerous and can be life-threatening.

Remember the warning signs that say 'BE FAST'. If you see these signs, you should call 1990 or go to a hospital without delay.

The best way to prevent a stroke is to live a healthy lifestyle and properly control your medical conditions (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes).

Recovering from a stroke can be a challenge, but with effort and dedication, you can definitely make progress. Do your rehabilitation properly.

You are not alone. Family, friends, doctors, and therapists are all there to help you.

A stroke can be a life-changing event. But the journey to recovery is worth it. Celebrate every little bit of progress you make. Every little victory is a big step in your recovery journey.

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