Narayana Health
Understanding Stroke: Early Symptoms and Treatment
Oct 18, 2024
2 Minutes Read
Cardiology Blogs
A stroke is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Without quick intervention, brain cells begin to die within minutes, potentially causing long-term disability or death. Understanding the symptoms and early signs of stroke and seeking immediate treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Table of Contents
- Types of Strokes
- Early Stroke Symptoms
- Preventing a Stroke
- Stroke Treatment Options
- Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Did You Know?
- Myths and Facts
- Conclusion
- When to Seek Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Strokes
There are three main types of stroke, each with different causes:
- Ischemic Stroke: Ischemic strokes are the most common, accounting for about 85% of all strokes. They happen when a blood clot obstructs or constricts a brain-supplying artery.
- Haemorrhagic Stroke: Haemorrhagic strokes happen when a brain blood artery rupture, resulting in bleeding inside the brain or around it. This type of stroke is often caused by high blood pressure, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations (abnormal tangles of blood vessels).
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a "mini-stroke," a TIA occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. Although the symptoms last only a few minutes to a few hours and there’s no lasting damage, a TIA is a warning sign of a potential future stroke and should never be ignored.
Early Stroke Symptoms
The faster you recognise the signs of a stroke, the better the chances of preventing permanent damage. Strokes often strike without warning, but there are key symptoms that can help you recognise when one is happening. Use the acronym FAST to remember the most common stroke symptoms:
- F – Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or become numb. Ask the person to smile. If the smile is uneven, it may be a sign of a stroke.
- A – Arm Weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms. If one drifts downward, it could indicate a stroke.
- S – Speech Difficulty: The person may have slurred or garbled speech, or they may be unable to speak altogether. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence to check for clarity.
- T – Time to Call Emergency Services: If you notice any of these symptoms, call for emergency help immediately. Quick treatment can reduce the risk of permanent brain damage.
Additional stroke symptoms may include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the leg, particularly on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble understanding, or difficulty speaking.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- A severe, sudden headache with no known cause, often described as the "worst headache" ever.
Preventing a Stroke
While some stroke risk factors, like age and genetics, cannot be controlled, there are several steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Manage Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, so regular monitoring and medication are important.
- Control Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Keep cholesterol and blood sugar within healthy ranges through diet, exercise, and medication if needed.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases stroke risk, so maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and physical activity is crucial.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk. Quitting can significantly reduce this risk.
- Limit Alcohol: Excessive drinking can raise blood pressure and stroke risk. Moderation is key.
Stroke Treatment Options
Once emergency services arrive, the type of treatment will depend on the type of stroke, how quickly treatment is initiated, and the patient’s overall health. Here are the primary treatment options for different types of strokes:
Ischemic Stroke Treatment
Quickly restoring blood flow to the brain is the aim of treatment for an ischaemic stroke. Treatment options include:
- Thrombolytic Therapy (tPA): This clot-busting drug, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), is one of the most common treatments for ischemic stroke. It must be administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of the first signs of stroke for maximum effectiveness. tPA dissolves the clot and restores blood flow to the affected area of the brain.
- Mechanical Thrombectomy: For larger clots, a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy may be performed. This involves inserting a catheter through an artery in the groin to reach the blocked brain artery, where the clot is removed mechanically.
- Medications: Blood thinners such as aspirin may be used to prevent further clot formation.
Haemorrhagic Stroke Treatment
Reducing brain pressure and stopping the bleeding are two key components in treating a haemorrhagic stroke. This may include:
- Surgical Procedures: In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair a ruptured blood vessel or relieve pressure from accumulated blood. Techniques include clipping or coiling an aneurysm or removing part of the skull to reduce brain swelling.
- Medications: Drugs to lower blood pressure and control brain swelling may also be used in the early stages of treatment.
TIA Treatment
Because a TIA is a warning sign of a future stroke, the goal is to prevent a full-blown stroke. Treatment may involve:
- Medications: Blood thinners and medications to control high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes can help reduce the risk of stroke.
- Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, and increasing physical activity can significantly lower stroke risk.
Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is essential for stroke survivors, as it helps restore independence and improve quality of life. The brain can sometimes reorganise and form new connections to compensate for the damaged areas. Stroke recovery may involve:
- Physical Therapy: To help regain strength and coordination.
- Occupational therapy: To help with everyday tasks and enhance motor abilities.
- Speech Therapy: For those with speech or swallowing difficulties.
- Psychological Support: Counselling or therapy may be needed to cope with the emotional and psychological effects of a stroke.
Did You Know?
- Did you know that recognising a stroke early and getting medical help within 3-4 hours can drastically improve recovery chances?
- Did you know that controlling high blood pressure is the most effective way to reduce the risk of both ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes?
Myths and Facts
Myth 1: Strokes only affect older adults.
Fact: While stroke risk increases with age, strokes can happen at any age. Younger people can have strokes due to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking.
Myth 2: A stroke is always accompanied by intense pain.
Fact: Many strokes are painless. Common symptoms include numbness, weakness, or trouble speaking, but not necessarily pain.
Myth 3: If stroke symptoms disappear quickly, it’s not a stroke.
Fact: A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, has temporary symptoms. However, it is a warning sign of a future stroke and should be treated with urgency.
Myth 4: Strokes cannot be prevented.
Fact: Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented through lifestyle changes such as controlling blood pressure, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
Myth 5: After a stroke, recovery is impossible.
Fact: While strokes can cause lasting damage, many people recover fully or significantly through rehabilitation. Early treatment and therapy can lead to better outcomes.
Conclusion
A stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. By recognising the early symptoms and understanding the available treatments, you can increase the chances of a better outcome. Prevention, through a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors, is also key to reducing the likelihood of a stroke.
When to Seek Help?
If you or someone around you shows signs of a stroke, such as sudden weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking, seek immediate medical attention. Call us @ 08068617735 right away for quick intervention and expert care.
FAQs About Stroke
Q. What is the difference between a mini-stroke (TIA) and a full stroke?
A. A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. It causes stroke-like symptoms but typically resolves within minutes or hours.
Q. How is a stroke diagnosed?
A. Doctors use imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, along with physical examinations and blood tests, to determine the type and severity of a stroke.
Q. What are the long-term effects of a stroke?
A. Long-term effects can include speech difficulties, mobility issues, memory loss, and emotional changes. Rehabilitation therapies can help improve recovery and quality of life.
Q. Can younger people have strokes?
A. Yes, while strokes are more common in older adults, they can occur at any age, even in children, especially if risk factors like hypertension or genetic conditions are present.
Q. How is a stroke treated?
A. Treatment depends on the type of stroke. Ischemic strokes may require clot-dissolving drugs, while hemorrhagic strokes focus on stopping bleeding and reducing brain pressure. Early intervention is key.
