Understanding Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Stroke is a growing health threat, affecting people of all ages. It happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts, leading to serious damage. Quick action can save lives, and with the right knowledge and lifestyle choices, many strokes can be prevented. This article highlights the key facts, warning signs, and prevention tips you need to know.

What is Stroke?

Stroke is a serious medical condition where the blood supply to a part of the brain gets interrupted or blocked, leading to damage in brain cells. When a stroke occurs, due to blood pressure issues, lack of oxygen, or injury to the blood vessels, essential nutrients and oxygen can't reach the brain cells, causing them to die. This results in physical disabilities and various other complications.

Types of Stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke

   • This is the most common type of stroke. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain gets blocked or narrows down. This usually happens due to thrombosis (blood clot) or embolism, when a clot (thrombus) forms in the blood and travels to the brain, blocking a blood vessel. About 80-85% of strokes are ischemic.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke

   • This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding (hemorrhage). As a result, brain cells are damaged due to lack of oxygen. Around 15-20% of strokes are of this type.

   • Common causes include high blood pressure or rupture of a blood vessel (aneurysm).

Symptoms of Stroke:

1. Paralysis on one side of the face

2. Weakness in the arm or leg

3. Difficulty speaking

4. Vision problems

5. Severe headache

6. Loss of balance

7. Dizziness or blurred vision

8. Problems with memory or attention

9. High blood pressure

What to do if stroke symptoms appear:

1. Face – Check if one side of the face is drooping or paralyzed.

2. Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm weak or unable to rise?

3. Speech – Listen for slurred or unclear speech. Can they speak properly?

4. Time – Act quickly. Don’t waste time — take the person to the hospital as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent Stroke:

1. Maintain a healthy diet – Eat a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables.

2. Reduce salt intake – Excess salt can lead to high blood pressure, a major cause of stroke.

3. Avoid fast food and red meat – These increase cholesterol levels, raising the risk of stroke.

4. Exercise regularly – At least 30 minutes daily. Helps control blood pressure, reduce fat, and improve heart health.

5. Maintain a healthy weight – Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, raises stroke risk.

6. Control high blood pressure – Use diet, exercise, and medication (if necessary) to keep it in check.

7. Avoid smoking – Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases stroke risk. Quitting reduces the chance of stroke and heart disease.

8. Manage diabetes – High blood sugar levels can raise the risk of stroke. Monitor blood sugar and follow your doctor’s advice.

9. Manage stress and mental pressure – Prolonged stress increases stroke risk. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.

10. Regular health checkups – Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly, and seek medical advice if any issues arise.

Author: Shah Sabbir Ali

MPHO, Community paramedic

General -LLB (1st part)