What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or stopped. This condition deprives brain cells of oxygen, which can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly.
Stroke Risk Factors
Stroke risk factors are conditions or habits that can increase a person's likelihood of having a stroke. These risk factors include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes mellitus
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Smoking habit
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Elderly
- Family history of stroke
Symptoms and Signs of Stroke
Stroke symptoms generally appear suddenly and can vary from person to person. Some symptoms to watch out for include:
- The face appears droopy or asymmetrical
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking
- Sudden severe headache for no apparent reason
Recognize Stroke with FAST
FAST is a simple method to recognize stroke symptoms early.
- F (Face): The face is drooping or asymmetrical
- A (Arm): Arm is weak or difficult to move
- S (Speech): Speech is unclear or slurred
- T (Time): Immediately take the patient to the hospital
The sooner a patient receives medical attention, the greater the chance of recovery.
Stroke Diagnosis
A stroke diagnosis is made through a thorough medical examination by a doctor. Tests that may be performed include:
- Physical examination and nerve function
- CT Scan or MRI of the brain
- Blood test
- Heart and blood vessel examination if necessary
This examination aims to determine the type of stroke and appropriate treatment.
Stroke Treatment
- Thrombolysis (Blood Clot Destruction)
Thrombolysis is the first-line treatment for ischemic stroke (blockage). Doctors administer clot-dissolving medication through an IV to break up blood clots in the brain's blood vessels and restore blood flow. This treatment should be administered as quickly as possible and optimally within the first 4.5 hours of symptom onset for best results.
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Mechanical Thrombectomy (Block Removal)
If the patient arrives after the thrombolysis period or is unable to receive dissolving medication, a mechanical thrombectomy is the next step. This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a doctor inserts a device through a large blood vessel into the brain to directly remove the blood vessel blockage. This method can be performed up to 24 hours after the onset of acute ischemic stroke symptoms in certain cases and can improve the chances of recovery.
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Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs due to bleeding in the brain. Treatment focuses on stopping the bleeding and reducing pressure within the brain, as well as preventing complications. Aneurysm coiling is a procedure that involves inserting a small metal coil through an endovascular technique to seal the ruptured aneurysm sac, preventing further bleeding.
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Intensive Care
During the initial phase after a stroke, patients are usually monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU/HCU) for:
- Control blood pressure
- Monitor heart and respiratory function
- Prevent complications such as brain swelling
- Maintain stable blood sugar and electrolyte levels
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Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Once the patient's medical condition is stable, the next important step is medical rehabilitation to help the patient recover impaired functions, including:
- Physiotherapy: training body movement and strength
- Speech therapy: helps with speaking and swallowing
- Occupational therapy: improving the ability to carry out daily activities
Stroke Prevention
Stroke can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Control blood pressure regularly
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Managing stress
- Have regular health checks
This article was written by Dr. Tri Wahyudi, Sp.N. FINS, FINA, FMIN (Neurology Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).