| A stroke is a medical emergency and a leading cause of death in Anguilla and many other countries. If you are your love one can identify the early warning signs of a stroke, and seek emergency medical attention, much can be done to prevent further complications and improve the prognosis. Stroke is a top cause of long-term disability in Anguilla. |
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or, more commonly, when a blockage develops. Without treatment, cells in the brain quickly begin to die. The result can be serious disability or death.There are clot-busting drugs that can curb brain damage, but they have to be used within three hours of the initial stroke symptoms.
Stroke Symptoms
Someindividuals might develop a massive stroke without any prior signs or symptoms, but in some cases there are warning signs and symptoms.
Signs of a stroke may include the following:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the body, especially on one side.
• Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes, or difficulty swallowing.
• Sudden, severe headache with unknown cause.
• Sudden problems with dizziness, walking or balance.
• Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding others.
Types of strokes
After seeking medical attention a series of tests and investigations are carried out and the type of stroke is determined. This is important as treatment varies depending on the type of stroke. The following types of strokes are commonly seen:
Ischemic Stroke
The most common type of stroke is known as an ischemic stroke. Nearly nine out of 10 strokes fall into this group. In this type of stroke a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel inside the brain. The clot may develop on the spot or travel through the blood from elsewhere in the body.
Haemorrhagic Stroke
Haemorrhagic strokes are less common but far more likely to be fatal. They occur when a weakened blood vessel in the brain bursts. The result is bleeding inside the brain that can be difficult to stop.
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
A transient ischemic attack, often called a “mini-stroke,” is more like a close call. Blood flow is temporarily impaired to part of the brain, causing symptoms similar to an actual stroke. When the blood flows again the symptoms disappear. A TIA is a warning sign that a stroke may happen soon. It is critical to see your doctor if you think you have had a TIA. There are therapies to reduce the risk of stroke.
What causes a stroke?
A common cause of stroke is atherosclerosis — hardening of the arteries. Plaque made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, builds up in the arteries leaving less space for blood to flow. A blood clot may lodge in this narrow space and cause an ischemic stroke. Atherosclerosis also makes it easier for a clot to form. Haemorrhagic strokes often result from uncontrolled high blood pressure that causes a weakened artery to burst.
Some risk factors for getting a stroke
Certain chronic conditions increase your risk of stroke. These include:
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
Other risk factors for stroke development include:
• Smoking
• Getting too little exercise
• Heavy use of alcohol
A poor diet may increase the risk of stroke in a few significant ways. Eating too much fat and cholesterol can lead to arteries that are narrowed by plaque. Too much salt may contribute to high blood pressure, and too many calories can lead to obesity. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish may help lower stroke risk.
Stroke: Emergency Treatment
For an ischemic stroke, emergency treatment focuses on medicine to restore blood flow. A clot-busting medication is highly effective at dissolving clots and minimizing long-term damage, but it must be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms. Hemorrhagic strokes are more difficult to manage. Treatment usually involves attempting to control high blood pressure, bleeding and brain swelling.
Stroke: Long-term damage
Whether a stroke causes long-term damage depends on its severity and how quickly treatment stabilises the brain. The type of damage depends on where in the brain the stroke occurs. Common problems after a stroke include numbness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, vision problems, trouble swallowing, and problems with speech and comprehension. These problems can be permanent, but many people regain most of their abilities.
Stroke Prevention
People who have had a stroke or TIA can take steps to prevent a recurrence. These might include the following:
• Quit smoking.
• Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol and salt intake.
• Eat a healthier diet with more vegetables, fish and whole grains.
For people with a high risk of stroke, doctors often recommend medications to lower this risk. Various surgical procedures might be used to prevent strokes.
Life after a stroke
More than half of the people who have a stroke regain the ability to take care of themselves. Those who get clot-busting drugs soon enough may recover completely. Those who experience disability can often learn to function independently through therapy. While the risk of a second stroke is higher at first, this risk drops off over time.
Conclusion
A stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications. Many strokes can be prevented and treated. Better control of major stroke risk factors — high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol – can result in fewer cases of strokes.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty nine years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley, in Anguilla.
