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What is stroke?
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Stroke is the sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow. There can be two possible ways by which blood supply gets inadequate. There can be a blockage in artery thus stopping the supply to its area, or there can be a major bleed in some part of brain. The most common reason for stroke is interruption to blood supply by a blood clot. When blood doesn’t reach the brain cells they get depleted of oxygen and nutrients and the wastes get dumped up into them. This injures them and if there is still no blood flow, ultimately the brain cells start to die. Brain cells don’t have regeneration capability. Depending upon the location of stroke in the brain, cell death may result in paralysis or abnormality; intellectual impairment; speech or vision impairment; memory loss; coma or death.
Stroke statistics:
Stroke statistics show that it is the 3rd leading cause of death and disability in US, especially in 65+ age population. One in every three stroke patients suffers death. Men are more affected by stroke but women are more likely to die if they are affected with stroke. It is more common and more serious in black population as compared to white.
Acute warning signs:
According to American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines these are warning signs for stroke:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, difficulty in speaking or understanding
• Sudden vision problem in one or both eyes
• Sudden difficulty in walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
TIA-Transient Ischemic Attacks:
TIAs are ‘mini-strokes’ or ‘temporary-warning strokes’. They result from temporary blockage of the blood supply to affected areas which resolve soon. There is no permanent brain damage. The short duration of symptoms and no permanent brain damage distinguish TIA from stroke. TIAs should be identified and treated to prevent stroke from following.
Treatment:
Stroke is a medical emergency and it should be treated immediately in the hospital emergency rooms. Earlier the treatment, better are the chances for survival and lesser morbidity. FDA approves single drug for immediate treatment of stroke. It is tPA (tissue plasminogen activator). It is a clot breaking medicine and it is beneficial within 3 hours of start of symptoms. Time frame is very crucial. In case of longer delay there is permanent irreversible damage to the part of brain whose blood supply stopped because of stroke.
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