Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, including in Indonesia. Unfortunately, the high incidence of stroke is accompanied by the circulation of various myths about stroke in the community. This misinformation can lead to delayed treatment, errors in prevention, and even refusal of appropriate medical therapy.
Therefore, it is important to understand the medical facts about stroke so that treatment and prevention can be carried out appropriately.
Learn the Myths and Facts About Stroke
Myth 1: Strokes Only Happen to Older People
Fact: Stroke can occur at any age.
Many people still believe that strokes only affect the elderly. However, in recent years, the incidence of strokes in productive age groups, even young people, has continued to rise.
Unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, a diet high in fat and sugar, and chronic stress play a significant role in increasing the risk of stroke in young people. Additionally, medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and blood clotting disorders can also be risk factors, regardless of age.
Myth 2: Strokes Occur Suddenly Without Warning Signs
Fact: Stroke is often preceded by warning symptoms.
Although strokes appear to occur suddenly, many patients actually experience warning signs beforehand, such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Symptoms of a TIA include weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, visual disturbances, or numbness that lasts for a short time and resolves on its own. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often dismissed as fatigue or a cold. In fact, a TIA is an important warning sign that a major stroke could occur if not treated promptly.
Myth 3: Stroke Cannot Be Prevented
Fact: Most cases of stroke can be prevented.
This myth leads many people to become resigned and less aware of risk factors. In fact, approximately 80% of strokes can be prevented with proper risk factor management.
Controlling blood pressure, maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, limiting salt and saturated fat intake, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy body weight have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Early detection and treatment of underlying health conditions also play a crucial role in stroke prevention.
Myth 4: If Stroke Symptoms Improve, There's No Need to Go to the Hospital
Fact: Improving stroke symptoms still require medical evaluation.
Some people believe that if symptoms like a crooked mouth or weak arms improve within a few hours, there's no need to seek medical attention. This is a very dangerous assumption.
Symptom improvement does not eliminate the risk of a recurrent, potentially more severe stroke. A medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause, determine treatment, and prevent further complications. Stroke treatment is highly time-dependent, as certain therapies are only effective when administered within the "golden period."
Myth 5: Stroke Always Leads to Death or Permanent Disability
Fact: Many stroke patients recover well.
Not all strokes result in death or permanent disability. With prompt, appropriate, and comprehensive treatment, many stroke patients can return to their normal activities independently.
Medical rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, plays a major role in functional recovery. The key to success is early detection, prompt treatment, and patient adherence to long-term rehabilitation and therapy programs.
Myth 6: Stroke Cannot Recur
Fact: Strokes are very likely to recur.
Patients who have experienced a stroke are at higher risk of experiencing another stroke. This risk increases if triggering factors are not properly managed.
Medication non-compliance, an unhealthy lifestyle, and poor chronic disease control are the main causes of relapse. Therefore, patient education about the importance of long-term therapy and lifestyle changes is crucial.
Myth 7: Alternative Medicine is Safer than Medical Drugs
Fact: Stroke treatment must be based on scientific evidence.
Many patients choose alternative treatments and delay medical therapy due to fear of medication side effects. However, effective stroke treatment must be based on scientific evidence and supervised by healthcare professionals.
Using non-medical therapies without consultation can worsen the patient's condition and increase the risk of complications. Alternative treatments should only complement, not replace, primary medical therapy.
The Importance of Education for Stroke Prevention
Myths surrounding stroke are still widely believed and can seriously impact patient safety. As healthcare professionals, especially medical specialists, we have a crucial role to play in dispelling misinformation through ongoing education.
With proper understanding, it is hoped that the public will be more alert to stroke symptoms, not delay treatment, and be more proactive in prevention. Stroke is not a disease to be overly feared, but it must be properly understood for optimal prevention and treatment.
Article written by Dr. Dwi Hany Febrina S, Sp.N (Neurology Specialist, EMC Cikarang Hospital).