A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel bursts, causing brain cells to die. It’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent permanent brain damage or death.
1. Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
FAST Method 🚨 (Quick Way to Identify Stroke)
- F – Face Drooping: One side of the face feels numb or droops when smiling.
- A – Arm Weakness: One arm feels weak or numb; cannot lift both arms evenly.
- S – Speech Difficulty: Slurred, unclear, or strange speech.
- T – Time to Call Emergency: Seek immediate medical help — early treatment saves lives.
Other Warning Signs
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech
- Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
- Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
2. Causes and Risk Factors
Stroke is mainly caused by:
- Ischemic stroke (≈85% cases) – blood clot blocks a brain artery.
- Hemorrhagic stroke (≈15% cases) – brain blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding.
Main Risk Factors:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of stroke
- Stress and unhealthy diet
3. Stroke Prevention
Lifestyle Modifications
- Control Blood Pressure: Keep it below 120/80 mmHg.
- Eat a Healthy Diet:
- More fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
- Less salt, sugar, and processed foods
- Exercise Regularly: At least 30 minutes daily, 5 times a week.
- Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol: Reduces clotting risk.
- Manage Weight: Maintain a healthy BMI to reduce strain on the heart.
- Manage Diabetes & Cholesterol: Regular check-ups and medication if needed.
- Reduce Stress: Practice meditation, yoga, or relaxation techniques.
4. Treatment of Stroke
Emergency Treatment (Within 3–4.5 Hours)
- Thrombolytic Therapy (tPA): A clot-busting medication given to dissolve blood clots in ischemic stroke.
- Endovascular Thrombectomy: A surgical procedure to remove a blood clot from the brain.
For Hemorrhagic Stroke
- Surgery to repair ruptured blood vessels or remove excess blood.
- Medications to control bleeding and reduce brain swelling.
Rehabilitation After Stroke
- Physical Therapy: Improve movement and muscle strength.
- Speech Therapy: Regain speech and communication skills.
- Occupational Therapy: Learn to perform daily activities independently.
- Lifestyle Changes: Reduce recurrence risk through diet and exercise.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Types | Ischemic (blocked artery), Hemorrhagic (bleeding) |
| Key Signs | Face drooping, arm weakness, speech problems |
| FAST Action | Face • Arm • Speech • Time → Call emergency immediately |
| Prevention | Healthy lifestyle, control BP, manage weight, avoid smoking & alcohol |
| Treatment | Clot-busting drugs, surgery, rehabilitation |
Promotional Awareness Message 🩺
"Act FAST — Stroke Can Happen Anytime!
Recognize the signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems.
Time matters — seek medical help immediately!
Take care of your health today: eat healthy, stay active, and manage blood pressure to prevent stroke before it strikes.”
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