Brain Stroke - Dr. Vikas Gupta

What is a stroke?

A brain stroke or a brain attack is a medical emergency and one of the most disabling diseases that are preventable in many forms. It is said that 1 in every 6 or more Indians is at risk of brain stroke.

Earlier, we used to see strokes to be more common in the elderly but unfortunately, now, it is not the same as it used to be and we are seeing more younger people also being affected by it. 

A stroke occurs because of stoppage of blood flow to a certain region of the brain which may be due to:

• Ischemic stroke: It happens when a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot or a buildup of fatty deposits and cholesterol.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: When a blood vessel bursts in the brain it causes blood spilling into nearby tissues. Due to this, pressure builds up in the nearby brain tissue causing damage and irritation.

 Since constant blood flow is needed for brain cells (neurons) to function, even a few minutes, as less as 3-5 minutes without adequate blood and oxygen to neurons can kill them. Due to neuronal death, the function they are responsible for also gets lost.

Brain Stroke can affect parts of the brain responsible for essential functions like breathing and blood pressure control besides other vital control centers and thus, if they are involved, it can cause death. 

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. While the number of people affected by stroke is increasing, the deaths are reducing in places with good medical care facilities. 

Who is at an increased risk of a brain stroke?

Various factors increase the risk of having a stroke:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Medications like birth control pills
• High Blood Cholesterol
• Lack of Exercise
• Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use
• Hereditary Causes of Genetic Mutations
• Older Age Groups
• Having a Previous Stroke
• Aneurysm in Brain
• Arteriovenous Malformation in Brain
• A clot in veins of Brain (Venous Sinus Thrombosis)

Above: Pictorial representation of a brain stroke

What happens in a stroke?

The effects of stroke are wide depending upon the area of the brain affected and the severity of the stroke. It may impair your ability to:

• Move
• Speak
• Eat
• Think and remember
• Control your bowel and bladder
• Control your emotions
• Control other vital body functions

Other less common symptoms of stroke may include:

• Sudden nausea or vomiting not caused by a viral illness
• Brief loss or change of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion, seizures, or coma
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), called a mini-stroke. A TIA can cause many of the same symptoms as a stroke. But TIA symptoms are passing. They can last for a few minutes or up to 24 hours. It may be a warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. But not all TIAs are followed by a stroke.

How to identify a brain stroke?

Unfortunately, life and optimum function can be saved in this catastrophic event only by early recognition followed by rapid and adequate treatment, at a centre equipped for stroke with a well-trained stroke team. 

The patients do not seek medical attention on their own because they lose the appreciation that something is wrong with them or they lack the knowledge of how acute treatment can be beneficial for them. 

It is often a family member or a bystander who calls for help. Therefore, please recognize early signs, as it may help a victim in your known circle, or even a bystander. Remember, A stroke can happen to anyone at any time.

1. Imbalance 
2. Sudden blurring of vision
3. Asymmetric of face
4. Acute onset weakness of arm or legs
5. Slurring of speech