Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency occurring when the oxygen flow to the brain is disrupted. There are almost 1.8 million stroke cases every year in India, being the leading cause of disabilities and deaths in the country.
The condition is becoming more common each day because being sedentary is becoming a way of life for most people. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and even smoking are some of the major causes of stroke.

The prevalence of the condition has become a cause of concern. Understanding the symptoms and causes better will help people manage their lives better. Knowledge is one of the biggest strengths, and it can help avoid disabilities and keep more lives safer.

This blog will help you better understand the condition, its causes, treatment, and symptoms.Keep reading and know all about stroke!

What is Stroke?

Stroke is a condition that occurs when the brain’s oxygen supply is interrupted or reduced, reducing the oxygen and nutrients supplied to the brain. This reduction can lead to the death of brain cells, causing the condition.

Stroke is majorly divided into three categories depending on the cause:

1. Hemorrhagic Stroke:

15% of the stroke cases in India are Hemorrhagic. This condition occurs when the blood vessels weaken, causing internal bleeding inside the brain. This situation is majorly fatal, and if the person survives, it's with multiple disabilities.

Unmanaged high blood pressure level is the leading cause of the condition.

2. Mini Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) :

This is a temporary condition, more like a warning signal for the person. It can last for at least a few minutes or even a few hours. This mini-stroke does not cause any permanent damage. This warning gives the person an opportunity to reverse their lifestyle, be more mindful, and save their life.

3. Ischemic Stroke:

80% of Indian stroke cases are ischemic stroke. This condition is caused by any blood clot or plaque blocking the oxygen flow to the brain. It can be caused mainly if the person has diabetes, hypertension, or any heart disease.Also Read:
If you are confused about your blood sugar levels, find all the tests that can help!
https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/top-4-tests-for-diabetes-diagnosis-and-monitoring-explained/

5 Major causes of Stroke:

Stroke, the condition does not have any one cause for it; multiple factors can lead to people having a stroke. It is important to know the cause of a condition because it helps you beware and avoid it better.

Here are some of the major causes of stroke in India:

1. High Blood Pressure: It is the No. 1 leading cause of stroke in India. It is a known fact that 1 in 3 people in India suffer from high blood pressure, which automatically increases the chances of stroke.

2. Diabetes: The Diabetic Capital of the world, India has become prone with the number of people suffering from unmanaged blood sugar levels increased. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels, exposing them to blockages and reducing the oxygen flow to the brain.

3. Unhealthy Diet: The inclination toward processed food causes multiple health conditions. These foods mostly contain high salt content, trans fats, and refined carbs, which contribute to high cholesterol and obesity.

4. Tobacco Usage: 270 million Indian adults actively smoke or use dry tobacco like khanni or zarda. Tobacco is known for forming blood clots and damaging the blood vessels.

5. Sedentary Lifestyle: Urban Indians are the sufferers of a sedentary lifestyle; the lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, diabetes, and even high blood pressure.

These are some of the major causes of stroke, and as mentioned, unmanaged NCDs can lead to stroke, which can be fatal. It is better to manage the condition before it leads one to death. 

Symptoms of Stroke:

FAST is an acronym that can easily define the symptoms of stroke.If you are wondering what the benefit of knowing the symptoms of the condition is, well, sometimes understanding small signs can help you prevent the condition and take steps early on in the situation.

F (Face Drooping)- If you notice drooping or numbness on one side of the face.A (Arm Weakness)-  Noticing Difficulty raising or moving one arm.S (Speech Difficulty)- If the speech is slurred or confused.T (Time to call help)- Time you get immediate medical assistance.

Along with these, some other symptoms could be kept in mind:

1. Dizziness
2. Loss of Balance
3. Blurry Vision4. Lack of Coordination5. Severe Headache

These signs can mean something severe; don’t ignore the symptoms and act immediately.

Can Stroke be Diagnosed?

Yes, there are many ways through which one can diagnose stroke. Indian hospitals and diagnostic service providers have multiple advanced technologies that can help diagnose the condition. These are the ways one can diagnose stroke:

-> Blood Tests
-> Echocardiograms
-> Cardiac Ultrasound
-> MRI Scan

Treatments for Stroke:

Stroke treatment revolves around restoring the blood flow to the brain and preventing any further damage. Different stroke conditions have different treatments.

Ischemic Stroke: If a person is suffering from this condition, then these are the treatments that are mostly provided.

Thrombectomy: In this procedure, the blood clots are physically removed from the blood vessels

Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to improve function and regain lost skills.

Thrombolytics: In this, the blood clots are dissolved intravascularly in a specific time frame.

Hemorrhagic Stroke:
Yes, hemorrhagic stroke has a different treatment than ischemic stroke.

Surgery: To repair the damaged blood vessel, control bleeding, or remove an aneurysm.

Rehabilitation: Therapy to help improve function and daily living skills after a stroke

5 Ways to Prevent Stroke?

Yes, stroke is preventable like any other health condition. You start making some lifestyle changes, which can help you avoid this major fatal condition.

How to prevent it?

1. Control your blood pressure:

As mentioned above, high blood pressure is the number one reason for stroke; managing your blood pressure can help prevent the condition.

You can avoid excessive salt intake. Indian meals have around 10-15g of salt in them, which is much higher than what the WHO recommends.

You can even regularly monitor your blood pressure and, if necessary, consult with doctors about taking medications.

2. Eat Healthy:

Avoid junk and processed food as much as possible and choose healthier options.

Increase the Intake of:

• Fruits
• Veggies
• Whole Grains

Reduce the intake of:

• Oily Food
• Processed Food
• Cakes and Desserts

3. Limit Alcohol and Smoking:

FYI, smoking doubles the risk of stroke and excessive alcohol increases blood pressure which you know how it impacts the blood vessels.

4. Reduce Stress:

In India, the number of people with excessive stress and anxiety has been increasing, and it is not good for your brain health.

You can indulge in recreational activities like:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Breathing Exercises

5. Regular Health Checkups:

Keep getting tested every six months; it will help you understand what your body knows about your organs and how they are doing. If there are any abnormalities, they can be taken care of without causing any major health conditions.

Conclusion:

Stroke has become a growing health crisis in India, but it is easily preventable and can be addressed with some lifestyle changes. Recognizing the symptoms and causes of stroke can help you understand the condition and how to avoid falling prey to it.

REMEMBER: If you or anyone around you is suffering from stroke symptoms it means that you need medication attention as soon as possible.
You must have heard the saying, ‘Time is Money.’ Well, in this case, ‘Time is Life.’

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

1. Can stroke be prevented?

Yes! 80% of strokes can be prevented by managing risk factors like blood pressure, diabetes, and an unhealthy lifestyle.

2. How common is stroke in India?

Every 40 seconds, someone in India suffers a stroke, making it a major public health concern.

3. How long does stroke recovery take? 

Recovery time varies. Some patients improve within weeks, while others take months or years, depending on severity and rehabilitation.

4. Who is at the highest risk of stroke in India?

->People over 40 years old with high blood pressure.

->Diabetics and smokers.

-> Those with a family history of stroke.

5. Can young Indians get a stroke?

Yes. Stroke is increasing in younger age groups (under 45 years) due to stress, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles.